Studying Property at ICMS: Real Skills, Real Careers

“Safe to say, I made the right choice.” That’s how ICMS graduate Anthony Belfiore sums up his decision to enrol in the ICMS Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation) program. 

For Anthony, the degree stood out for its practical, hands-on learning and genuine industry connections, giving him the experience and confidence needed to thrive in the property sector. 

Anthony finished the degree in October 2025, after originally starting out at a bigger, traditional university.  

Back in high school, he’d had his eye on large goverment institutions, thinking they’d be the right fit. But that experience left him feeling lost in the crowd. 

“I felt like a number, not a student. I wasn’t getting the support or learning I needed,” Anthony says. 

After a personal tour of the ICMS campus in 2023, Anthony made the switch. 

The promise of real-world career preparation and a supportive, tight community stood out. Straight away, he found the smaller classes and industry focus offered the insight and confidence he’d been looking for. 

Real Skills for the Real World*

The ICMS Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation) is all about real-world skills.  

Students engage in property markets, feasibility studies, risk analysis, finance, valuation modelling, sustainability, and more.  

Every part of the degree balances the core areas of investment, valuation, and development. 

“We weren’t just writing essays; we were doing valuation reports, investment briefs, and Excel-based DCF models that mirror what the industry uses,” Anthony says. 

This focus on industry-specific learning means graduates are job-ready from day one.  

The curriculum goes beyond theory, highlighting the real impact property has on the economy and helping students tackle genuine industry challenges. 

Industry Insights and the Right Connections

ICMS brings in teaching staff who’ve worked in property, not just studied it.  

That means students hear directly from people with firsthand industry experience.  

For Anthony, certain subjects left a lasting mark, especially Introduction to the Property Industry (PRO120A) and Property Investment and Finance (PRO300A).  

“Some subjects really changed me and helped me grow, especially the ones that asked us to apply theory to live examples,” Anthony says.  

He describes these classes as “pivotal” to his studies, revealing the real-world impact of property on the economy and inspiring him with a clear pathway to a rewarding and engaging career.  

He adds, “I honestly can’t thank enough all the property lecturers but more importantly John Nicols and Sam Cuccurullo for everything they did during my studies.” 

The college also gives students the chance to build industry connections.  

Anthony remembers meeting a top fund manager who runs landmark buildings at Barangaroo, which gave him a rare look into how the industry really works. 

“That experience gave me a proper sense of how the industry operates and made me feel much more prepared to enter the workforce,” he says.  

By his final year, Anthony was confident presenting professional reports and thinking like a developer, not just a student. 

Campus Life That Builds Community

ICMS isn’t just about classes and assignments.  

The iconic Northern Beaches Campus provides a supportive community where students build meaningful relationships with classmates and lecturers alike.  

Student organisations host events such as boat parties and balls, encouraging students to form lasting friendships and networks beyond their studies. 

“You don’t feel lost in a crowd here. You feel like part of something,” Anthony says. 

Kickstarting All Kinds of Careers

The Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation) opens doors in all kinds of directions.  

Graduates are prepared for roles in investment analysis, property development, and facilities management, and more, ready to step confidently into the industry. 

Anthony has three years’ experience in facilities and building management and is eyeing a move into property management or another area of property.  

He credits the program for giving him the skills and confidence he needs, whatever path he takes. 

“Whether you want to become, an investment analyst, a developer, or even start your own projects one day, this course sets you up with a strong foundation,” he says. 

*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). Please note, if you would like to work as an Assistant Agent in Real Estate, Stock and Station or Strata Management, you require a Certificate of Registration. We recommend this be completed prior to commencing your WIL placement. The Units of Competency required to apply for a Certificate of Registration will have to be completed externally to ICMS.