ICMS Graduates Make Their Mark in Property Valuation

ICMS graduates are finding real success in the world of property valuation, with many starting their journeys through the Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation). 

If you’re thinking about becoming a property valuer, this degree offers a solid starting point. The course covers all the basics – property markets, investment, development, and more. Students get practical, hands-on experience along the way, which helps them feel prepared to step into the industry once they graduate. 

ICMS alumni have built their careers at some of Australia’s biggest banks, key government departments, and well-known valuation firms. Their progress shows just how far the right support and a strong education can take you. 

Alumni in the Spotlight

• Aaron Levy (Class of 2014): Now working as a Senior Valuer at Value NSW, Aaron is an Associate of the Australian Property Institute (AAPI) and a Certified Practising Valuer (CPV). His government role means he handles a wide variety of complex property assessments that make a difference in local communities. 

• Jake Fisher (Class of 2014): Jake is a Property Valuer at National Australia Bank (NAB), licensed by the API. He looks after both residential and commercial work, helping the bank with major lending and risk decisions. 

• Peri Kitchen (Class of 2019): After finishing at ICMS, Peri joined Opteon AUS & NZ as a Certified Practising Valuer. Her story shows how an ICMS degree, along with the extra steps for accreditation, can open up opportunities in the industry. 

• Richard Spackman (Class of 2018): Richard is based in Bathurst with Opteon AUS & NZ, carrying out valuations for rural, lifestyle, and private properties. He’s led compliance teams and was nominated for a national customer service award in 2020. 

• Tessa Coddington (Class of 2022): Starting her career as an Assistant Valuer with Opteon AUS and NZ in Wagga Wagga, Tessa is proof that great roles exist beyond the big cities. She’s getting hands-on experience while working towards her full accreditation. 

Many alumni say the broad range of subjects at ICMS, including law, finance, marketing, and construction, gave them a real advantage.  

The Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program connects students with industry partners and giving them a taste of working life before they graduate. 

“ICMS gave me the strong foundation and industry links I needed to get started in valuation. The real-world projects and placements made all the difference,” says a recent graduate. 

What Does a Property Valuer Do?

In Australia, property valuers play an important role in the real estate industry.  

Their job is to provide independent assessments of a property’s value, whether it’s a residential home, commercial space, or rural land.  

Valuers look at lots of factors like location, condition, recent sales and market trends to work out what a property is worth at a certain point in time. 

Valuers don’t just come up with numbers for buying and selling.  

Their work supports decisions made by banks (for loans and mortgages), governments (for rates and land tax), businesses (for investments and insurance), and even individuals (for family law or portfolio management).  

In their day-to-day, valuers spend plenty of time on site inspections, market research, and preparing detailed reports that must follow strict industry standards set by bodies like the Australian Property Institute (API). 

A Clear Pathway – And What Comes Next

Studying property at ICMS can be a smart first step if you want to work in valuation. Alumni are finding jobs in all kinds of places, from big cities to country towns. 

It’s important to know, though, that if you want to become a certified property valuer, you’ll need some additional professional accreditation after you graduate. This is a requirement set by industry groups like the Australian Property Institute (API), and it’s a normal part of joining the field. 

Please note: To become a certified property valuer, additional professional accreditation is required after completing your degree. This is managed by external industry bodies, such as the Australian Property Institute (API).