From Classroom to Game Day: 40 ICMS Students Gain Experience with GWS Giants

For ICMS students, gaining experience in the sports industry begins with professional placements at organisations like the GWS Giants. 

ICMS’s partnership with the GWS Giants has seen 40 students complete 48 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) professional placements so far. These placements are not short-term experiences but structured opportunities, usually lasting one or two trimesters, where students contribute to key areas of the club. 

This practical approach allows students to start building their professional networks and CVs while studying, a feature of many degrees offered at ICMS. 

A Pathway to Careers in Sport

Some ICMS students have transitioned from placements into full-time roles with the Giants, highlighting the potential career pathways available through the program. 

This program provides a pathway into the sports industry and demonstrates how classroom learning can translate into practical skills on the job. 

ICMS alumni now working at the GWS Giants include*: 

• Samantha Blomeley, Executive General Manager, Consumer and Marketing, who returned to ICMS to share her story at the April 2025 Graduation Ceremony.
  

• Luke Morgan: Commercial Partnerships Executive  

• Rhanni Plummer: Corporate Hospitality Coordinator  

600 Hours of Practical Experience: Reece Barton’s Story

Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) student Reece Barton knows what it takes to succeed behind the scenes. 

During his recent placement, Reece completed over 600 hours as an intern with the GWS Giants Membership and Ticketing team. He told ICMS that his time at the club resulted in countless memories and one incredible professional experience. 

Reece gained practical knowledge by learning the Archtics ticketing system and actively managing memberships. He also supported major club promotions like ‘Bring a Mate for Free’ and helped manage the fast-paced environment of game days, including complex event bump-ins and bump-outs. This gave him valuable insight into how a professional AFL club operates from the inside. 

Beyond ticketing, Reece worked alongside the Giants Events Team and Street Team. He helped run dynamic fan activations with a major sponsor, creating unforgettable moments that brought fans closer to their favourite players. 

Reece’s journey highlights how the GWS Giants are an integral part of the Work Integrated Learning program. The club provides hands-on experiences, dedicated mentorship, and opportunities for students eager to build a career in the sporting industry. 

 

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Diverse Roles, Essential Skills

ICMS students at the GWS Giants take on roles that are critical to the club’s operations. 

These placements give students a clear understanding of how sport works behind the scenes and teach practical skills that are in demand. 

Membership and Ticketing Sales Officer: In this role, students are the first point of contact for fans. They learn how to manage members and ticket sales, develop key sales tactics, and understand the importance of building a loyal fan base. It’s a solid foundation for anyone interested in sports marketing or working with fans. 

Operational Assistant: On game days, a lot of moving parts need to work together. As Operational Assistants, students help with event logistics, manage the venue, and ensure everything runs smoothly for thousands of fans. This role teaches practical problem-solving and provides insight into organising major sporting events. 

Marketing and Events Assistant: From community clinics to sponsor activations, the marketing and events team is central to the Giants’ brand. ICMS students assist with campaigns, event planning, and promotions. They gain real marketing skills and see firsthand how a footy club connects with the community and its sponsors. 

Sports Assistant: For those keen on the sporting side, a Sports Assistant role offers involvement in team support and day-to-day footy operations. Students might assist at training, manage equipment, or support the football department. It’s a great way to see how high-performance sport operates. 

GWS Giants Share Their Wisdom in ICMS Masterclass

The GWS Giants are not only providing hands-on opportunities for ICMS students but also giving back by sharing their expertise.

In February 2026, Darcy Carnahan from the GWS Giants joined ICMS alumni Jess Bellifemine (Sports Entertainment Network) and Tyson Head (Manly Warringah Sea Eagles) as guest speakers at the ICMS masterclass on The Intersection Between Sports and Technology.

Held at the ICMS City Campus and streamed online, the event explored how technology is revolutionising the sports industry, from fan engagement to athlete performance.

Darcy highlighted the importance of community in building the Giants’ presence in Western Sydney, while also discussing how technology is transforming fan engagement through personalisation and data-driven insights.

The masterclass provided students with real-world knowledge and a glimpse into the future of sports, showcasing how ICMS connects students with industry leaders to inspire and prepare them for careers in a tech-driven world.

GWS Giants at the ICMS Industry Partner Expo

The GWS Giants also play an active role in ICMS’s Industry Partner Expos, where students and industry professionals connect face-to-face.

Darcy represented the GWS Giants at the 2025 Expo and shared why these events are so valuable: “For us, it’s all about that face-to-face time. A lot of our roles, especially in membership and ticketing, need great communicators. This event helps us see beyond resumes and find students who can really thrive.”

He added: “ICMS students are often the best we come across. We’ve had several go from interns to full-time employees at the Giants. The 600-hour internship program is a standout because it gives students enough time to truly grow, gain confidence, and even bring fresh ideas to the table. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Building the Future of Sport

The partnership between ICMS and the GWS Giants is a practical program that brings real benefits to students, the college, and the club.  

Students gain valuable hands-on experience, ICMS delivers on its industry-focused training, and the Giants help develop their future workforce. 

With this partnership growing, even more ICMS students will have the chance to swap lectures for the locker room, gain practical skills, build confidence, and make connections that support their career aspirations in professional sport. 

Note: Outcomes may vary depending on individual circumstances and opportunities. Placement opportunities are subject to availability and approval by the host organisation. Outcomes are not guaranteed and depend on individual performance and opportunities available. 

*Disclaimer: The information about ICMS alumni working at the GWS Giants was sourced from publicly available LinkedIn profiles.