Building Success: From ICMS to Property Career

For ICMS alumnus Sam Shiell, working in property isn’t just a career—it’s something he genuinely loves.

“I love property because of the whole life cycle,” he shares.

For him, it’s not just about watching a building take shape; it’s about the big picture.

“Seeing buildings come to life but then also being involved in the front end, where you do the planning and strategy, and then living a project for a number of years and seeing it come to fruition is a really good feeling.”

This hands-on involvement, every step of the way, fuels Sam’s passion for the industry.

That enthusiasm has driven his success as he is now thriving as a Senior Project Manager at Artazan Property Group (APG).

Finding the Right Degree

When it came to choosing a degree, Sam had his future in sharp focus.

“I think the most important thing for me when I chose my property degree was just an outlook on my future,” he reflects.

With Australia’s property market being both “a very keen market” and “an amazing opportunity,” Sam felt certain about his choice of an ICMS Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation). He graduated in 2018.

But for Sam, it wasn’t just about academics. He saw the property industry as a gateway to connection.

“There’s so many people that you can leverage off and even relationships from school and beyond,” he says.

With networking playing such a crucial role in property, Sam made sure to build relationships early on—an effort that has paid off in his career.

Watch Sam share his story here, before reading further to find out why he chose ICMS as the starting point for his career in property.

Why ICMS Stood Out

Sam’s decision to study at ICMS was no accident.

“I was looking through property degree opportunities across the Sydney market, and I came across ICMS—it just appealed to me,” he says.

The unique nurturing ethos of ICMS immediately caught his attention.

“The kind of more niche environment, the professional attire; I think it holds you in good stead when you’re moving through into your career. It gives you that professional kind of outlook from day one.”

One of the standout features for Sam was the industry training aspect.

“You’re not necessarily studying during your placement; you’re out there in the workforce, which is actually where you learn so much,” he explains.

Through the ICMS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, students don’t just learn about their industry—they live it.

With up to two trimesters spent gaining real-world experience, they get the chance to step into their chosen field, make professional connections, and build the skills employers are looking for.

“You can take that back into college and continue finishing off your degree and hopefully getting good marks.”

Smaller class sizes and one-on-one engagement with lecturers also made ICMS a winning choice.

“You’re not sitting in an auditorium with 1000 people,” he points out.

This personalised approach to education not only made studying more enriching, but also helped him feel more prepared as he transitioned into the workforce.

A Strong Recommendation

Would Sam recommend ICMS?

“I would definitely recommend ICMS to anyone that I came across,” he says.

“It’s an amazing culture. The location’s incredible. You get a real sense of one-on-one contact.”

With a thriving career at APG, Sam looks back at his time at ICMS as the springboard to his success.

His story proves how the right education, paired with dedication and a love for what you do, can lead to incredible opportunities.

For anyone dreaming of a future in property, Sam’s advice is clear—ICMS is the place to start.

“The industry training aspect is something that will really hold you in good stead for your entire career.”

If property is your passion, ICMS could be your first step toward building something great.