“Careers Zig Zag”: ICMS Alumna Tells Graduates

ICMS alumna Lina Caccamo got straight to the point when she addressed the graduating class of the International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS) last month.  

“Careers rarely follow a straight line. They zig zag,” she said, urging graduates to embrace the unexpected twists and turns that lie ahead. 

Now the General Manager of Strategy and Innovation at the Rugby League Players Association (RLPA), Lina returned to ICMS nearly 15 years after sitting in the same seats of the Cardinal Cerretti Chapel at the Northern Beaches Campus. 

Embrace Uncertainty

Lina shared her own career journey, which has taken her from Rugby Australia to her current role advocating for players and shaping the future of rugby league.  

“It’s a role that has allowed me to work with incredible athletes and leaders, and to see firsthand how much impact people can have when they’re willing to challenge ideas, speak up, and help build something better for the next generation.” 

She admitted she didn’t have it all figured out when she graduated. 

“Very few people actually have everything mapped out,” she said.  

“Most people are figuring things out as they go, myself included.” 

She encouraged graduates to see uncertainty as an opportunity.  

“Sometimes the moments that feel uncertain and uncomfortable turn out to be the ones that shape your future the most,” she said. 

Your Network is a Superpower

Caccamo also reminded graduates of the value of the friendships and connections they’ve built during their time at ICMS. 

“The network sitting next to you is a superpower,” she said.  

“Some of the people here today may become your future colleagues, collaborators, or lifelong friends.” 

The Future Belongs to Innovators

As industries change with advancements in technology and artificial intelligence, Lina urged graduates to step forward with confidence. 

“The future belongs to the people who ask, ‘What if?’ and then go and do something about it,” she said.  

“Every one of you has a place in shaping what comes next.” 

Step Forward with Confidence

Lina closed by reminding graduates they are not alone as they navigate their careers. 

“You’re not stepping into the world alone,” she said. “You have the support, networks, and shared experiences of generations of ICMS graduates who came before you.” 

Her message was clear: embrace the zig zags, back yourself, and build something new. 

Disclaimer: The experiences and outcomes shared in this article are individual to the alumna and may not represent typical outcomes for all graduates.