Behind the Scenes at Vivid Sydney: How an ICMS Student Is Building an Events Career 

Second-year Bachelor of Event Management student Mikayla Croft has worked behind the scenes at some of Australia’s major festivals, and all before graduating. 

Through her ICMS Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement with Motti & Smith Events, Mikayla has helped deliver Vivid Sydney, Sydney Writers Festival, Lost Paradise and Spilt Milk, demonstrating how ICMS connects classroom learning with hands-on industry experience.

A country upbringing that sparked a passion for people

Mikayla grew up in Aberdeen, a small country town in the Upper Hunter, where she developed a strong sense of community and a love for bringing people together. 

Her family’s businesses gave her an early taste of hospitality. Between Crofts Pies, her own cattle stud, and her work in hospitality and catering, Mikayla discovered how much she enjoyed creating experiences for others. 

“I loved seeing how food, celebrations and events could bring communities together, and that sparked my interest in pursuing a career in event management,” she said. 

Why she chose ICMS

When Mikayla found the Bachelor of Event Management at ICMS, it stood out from other options straight away.  

The degree specialised in events from day one, added valuable business knowledge, and included industry placement opportunities. 

For Mikayla, the promise of hands-on learning sealed the deal. 

“Knowing I would graduate with practical experience, not just theory, made my decision much easier,” she said. 

Moving from her hometown to the ICMS Northern Beaches Campus in Manly was both exciting and nerve-racking, but she felt welcomed from her very first week.  

Smaller class sizes meant she got to know her lecturers personally, including many who had worked in the events industry themselves. 

“Having lecturers who had worked in the events industry themselves meant every class was filled with real-world examples and practical advice that you simply can’t learn from a textbook,” she said. 

Learning the industry through WIL

Mikayla calls her Work Integrated Learning (WIL) placement one of the biggest highlights of her degree.  

At Motti & Smith Events, a hospitality and events company, she worked alongside experienced professionals on major festivals and events across Australia. 

The WIL placement gave her a front-row seat to how large-scale events really come together. She coordinated suppliers, managed event logistics, solved problems under pressure and worked in fast-paced environments where no two days were ever the same. 

“Those experiences gave me confidence in my abilities and confirmed that I had chosen the right career,” she said. 

Mikayla’s experience highlights the practical exposure WIL can provide while students study.  

All students complete WIL as part of their studies, spending up to 600 hours immersed in industry with the support of more than 1,000 industry partners. It’s a model designed to connect classroom learning with practical, industry-focused experience. 

Leadership beyond the classroom

Mikayla’s growth hasn’t stopped at her WIL placement.  

She threw herself into student life, first joining the Student Representative Council (SRC), then serving as Head of Events, before being elected the current SRC President. 

These roles gave her the chance to organise events, manage budgets, coordinate volunteers and lead teams, all while building experiences for the wider student community. 

“Being involved in SRC taught me that student life is about so much more than attending lectures,” she said. The roles helped her build confidence, develop leadership skills and form friendships she expects to keep well beyond graduation. 

Her advice to future students

For anyone thinking about studying at ICMS, Mikayla has one clear message: “Say yes to every opportunity.” 

“Some of my greatest experiences came from simply putting my hand up and giving something new a go,” she said.  

Those moments, she added, helped her build her resume, grow her professional network and develop skills that can support a career in the events industry. 

Looking ahead

As she prepares to graduate, Mikayla is excited about her future in events and grateful for the foundation ICMS has given her. 

“Choosing ICMS was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” she said.  

“It has given me so much more than a degree. It has given me lifelong friendships, incredible mentors, unforgettable experiences and the confidence to pursue a career in an industry I genuinely love.” 

Disclaimer: Work Integrated Learning (WIL) hours and placement opportunities are subject to course requirements, student eligibility and industry availability. Individual placement experiences and career outcomes vary. ICMS does not guarantee employment or placement with a particular organisation.