Urban Legend: ICMS Alumna’s Eventful Career

ICMS alumna Sophie Burgess is thriving in her role as an Event Coordinator at Urban Event Management, where she manages conferences, brand launches, and other events across Australia.  

Her day-to-day involves everything from building registration sites and managing delegate requirements to ensuring events run smoothly on-site.  

“I enjoy the variety and the opportunity to combine work with travel,” Sophie shares. 

One of her career highlights was managing a 700-person conference at the Melbourne Convention Centre, which included a gala dinner at the LUME.  

“Seeing the delegates’ reactions as they entered the room was a standout moment,” she says. 

Why ICMS Was the Right Choice

Sophie always knew she wanted a career in event management, and ICMS provided the perfect pathway via the industry-focused Bachelor of Event Management.  

“The specialised degree in event management stood out to me,” Sophie explains.  

“It allowed me to go straight into the industry, unlike broader degrees at other universities.  

“The location of the Northern Beaches Campus, overlooking Manly, was also a major drawcard.” 

Making the Most of ICMS

Although much of Sophie’s degree was completed online due to COVID, she reflects positively on her time at ICMS.  

“The smaller class sizes allowed for more collaboration and support from lecturers,” she says.  

“Lecturers Katrina Denoux, Doug Garske, and Karen-Anne Nathan were particularly inspiring and supportive.”  

During her on-campus year in 2019, Sophie enjoyed the vibrant campus environment, forming lasting friendships and taking advantage of the beachside location. 

Industry Placement: A Career-Defining Experience

A highlight of Sophie’s ICMS experience was her industry placement at the InterContinental Hayman Island Resort.  

“I was part of the events team, handling setup, styling, and client interactions,” she recalls. 

“It gave me practical experience and a deeper understanding of how events are run, which has been invaluable in my career.” 

Read more about Sophie’s experience interning on an island here.  

Why Sophie Recommends ICMS

Sophie believes ICMS provides a strong foundation for entering the workforce.  

“The specialised degrees and industry placements prepare you to step directly into your chosen field,” she explains.  

“As much as the theory is amazing and gives you the foundation to work with, it’s hard to understand how it would be in the real-world so putting theory into practice is so important to gain the experience prior to this.” 

Advice for Future Graduates

Sophie encourages graduates to trust in their abilities and pursue a career they are passionate about.  

“It’s incredibly nerve-racking getting into the workforce and finding the right fit for you. However, once finding what’s best, it can be so rewarding,” she says.  

“Choose something that you truly love doing, put yourself out there, trust that you know more than you think and find time to have fun along the way.” 

From Singleton High through ICMS to Urban Event Management, Sophie proves that sharp focus and hands-on experience are the keys to career success.