ICMS Alumna on Saying Yes, Staying Present, and Building a Career
Testimonials
Aleksandra Shcherbakova
Master of Management
“I have met some truly impressive talents and kind personalities among our lecturers."
Angelica Balajadia
Master of Management
“I have found my people here, I have networked here. I am open to doors opening and so many doors are opening already."
Wiranpatchara (Sandy) Wongchanapai
Master of International Business
"Whilst studying at ICMS, I was able to have a strong work/study life balance".
Cameron Colvin
Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
"My work experience boosted my confidence and allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings."
Taylor McLeod
Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)
“The small, intimate environment in my lectures makes me feel like I am being heard and that I am getting the most out of my studies."
Julie Williams
Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management)
"I chose ICMS because they have provided me with the opportunity to kickstart my career through their many industry partners".
Keegan Du Preez
Bachelor of Business Management (Accounting)
"ICMS is realistic. They understand the realistic expectations of various markets. It’s not just textbook knowledge, especially compared to every other competitor".
Michaela Mayes
Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
"ICMS' Work Integrated Learning gave me the ability to gain real life experience before I even graduated".
Alana Williams
Bachelor of Business (Accounting)
“I worked full time whilst studying, with ICMS allowing for such a great work to study ratio and balance, where I was flexibly allowed to do both.”
Juliette Wilson
Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
"I think the biggest thing is that you get a personalised experience, and you’ll be treated like a person, not a number".
Calum McKnight
Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
“Very quickly, ICMS gave me a circle of friends who are pretty driven – but who also like to have fun – and when I see where they are now it’s pretty exciting and it drives me further.”
Ewan Metcalfe
Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)
"Through being at this college and the geographical location, it always reminded me to stay grounded, keep working hard to further improve my life and stay happy".
Ellie Mathews, recent ICMS graduate and Events Coordinator at the Australian Turf Club, took to the stage at the ICMS October 2025 Graduation, sharing life lessons about ambition, community, and learning to say yes.
Ellie graduated with a Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management), but her journey was marked by more than just hard work in the classroom.
Through an ICMS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) internship, Ellie landed a full-time role as Events Coordinator at the Australian Turf Club where she’s already spent the last six months turning theory into practice.
Lessons in Living on Campus
Campus life at ICMS is where Ellie remembers finding genuine connection: “I found more than just classmates—I found lifelong friends. The kind of friends you can go months without seeing, and still pick up right where you left off.”
What felt ordinary in the moment now glitters in hindsight: “From spontaneous nights out in Manly to long lunches in the Marketplace; we didn’t realise it then, but those are the days we won’t forget.”
Even as events and late-night study sessions came and went, Ellie learned that “sometimes you don’t know what you’ve created until you step back and see it for what it was.”
The Value of Being Present
Ellie’s biggest takeaway to the graduating class was a reminder to slow down and enjoy the experience.
“That’s the lesson I’ve taken from this: Life moves fast. Chapters close before you even realise they’ve started. So, live in the present and say yes.”
She was honest about missed moments too:
“If I could go back? I’d say: Go. Be with your friends. This moment won’t come again.”
Embracing the Unexpected Path
Not every step is planned, or should be.
Ellie encouraged the new grads to keep an open mind. “Don’t be afraid to explore unexpected paths. You will get where you’re meant to be.”
Her words were directed at families too: “Trust your children. They will find their path, in their own time. Be patient. Let them grow.”
Words to Take Away
Ellie closed by sharing wisdom she’d heard since she was young: “Live life enjoying the week, the day, the moment.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a career, or a life.
“As my mum always told me, ‘Work hard, be patient and the rewards will find you.’”
Ellie’s story echoes what so many ICMS graduates discover: that success is built one step, one friendship, and one opportunity at a time.
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News, Alumni