ICMS Masterclass: Alumni at Salesforce Share Career Tips 

ICMS recently hosted the Beyond the Degree Masterclass, where alumni Samantha Hardiman and Daniel Karren – now excelling at Salesforce – shared their career journeys and offered practical advice for students preparing to enter the workforce.

The session provided a valuable look at how ICMS graduates are making their mark in the tech industry. 

From ICMS to Salesforce

Samantha Hardiman, who completed her Master of International Business in 2020, shared her unique journey as a “COVID student,” attending classes remotely from South Africa before moving to Australia.  

“Working on campus in the marketing team prepared me for cross-department communication and gave me a great start in the corporate world,” she said. 

Daniel Karren, a 2015 Bachelor of Business (Sports Management) graduate, reflected on his time at ICMS and how it shaped his career.  

“I grew up in Manly, so studying at ICMS was perfect. Classes during the day, the beach in between – it was a great balance,” he said.  

Daniel’s career path took a turn when he moved from a sports-focused background to tech sales, a decision that paid off. 

What is Salesforce?

Salesforce is a global leader in customer relationship management (CRM) software, helping businesses streamline their sales, marketing, and customer service operations.  

Companies use Salesforce to manage customer interactions, analyse data, and drive growth through cloud-based solutions. 

Recently, ICMS students had the chance to visit the Salesforce Tower in Sydney, where they explored the role of AI in business and got a firsthand look at one of the most innovative workplaces in the city. 

Key Lessons for Students

The alumni shared practical advice for students preparing to enter the workforce: 

Soft Skills Matter
Samantha emphasised the importance of communication and teamwork: “Every day at work is a group project. ICMS prepared me for that.” Daniel added, “Being a good listener and building trust are critical skills.”

Learn from Setbacks
Samantha spoke about being made redundant early in her career: “It was tough, but it taught me resilience and resourcefulness.” Daniel shared his experience with job rejections: “Rejection isn’t failure – it’s growth.” 

Internships and Networking Are Key
“Take every internship you can get,” Samantha advised. “It’s a great way to figure out what you like, and what you don’t like.” She also stressed the importance of networking: “Every coffee catch-up is a job interview. Be prepared.” 

ICMS makes this process easier for students by offering internships as part of the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, which allows students to gain hands-on industry experience while studying. This program connects students with leading companies, giving them a head start in their careers. 

Stay Relevant
Both alumni highlighted the importance of continuous learning. Samantha uses AI tools daily to improve her work, while Daniel prioritises carving out time to learn and grow. 

Build Your Internal Brand
Daniel stressed reliability and helping others: “Your internal brand is what people say about you when you’re not in the room. Show up, follow through, and be someone others can count on.” 

Life at Salesforce

Samantha and Daniel also gave students a glimpse into their roles at Salesforce. Samantha, a Business Development Representative, focuses on cold calling and prospecting.  

“It’s the best rejection therapy you can get,” she joked.  

Daniel, an Account Executive, highlighted the importance of being goal-oriented and competitive: “Sales is all about persistence and building trust.” 

Final Advice

When asked what advice they’d give their younger selves, Samantha said, “Don’t wait to be perfect to start. Action beats anxiety.”  

Daniel added, “Back yourself. Completing your degree is a huge achievement; use that confidence to push forward.” 

The masterclass wrapped up with a Q&A session, leaving students with actionable tips and a clearer picture of what it takes to succeed in the workforce.  

Events like this are part of ICMS’s commitment to preparing students for real-world success.