From Paris to Sydney: Event Student Masters Success in Australia

In February 2024, French ICMS postgraduate student Marius Ballinger landed in Australia with clear ambitions.

He was determined to validate his master’s degree from AMOS – Sport Business School through the ICMS Master of Event Management, sharpen his English skills, and work in Australia to fund his studies.

“My experience was completely planned,” Marius said.

“I came with several objectives, and I pushed myself to meet each one.”

Academic Excellence

To validate his Master’s degree and complete his professional project as a sports event manager, Marius earned top grades in courses such as Sustainability Best Practices for Events, Responsible Leadership, and Risk Management for Events.

“These subjects provided me with a strong foundation,” he said.

Work Experience and Community Involvement

Balancing education with practical experience, Marius took on a part-time role at Manly Grill, starting as a runner and advancing to a supervisory role.

He also contributed to the ICMS community as a Resident Leader, dedicating two hours each week to support fellow students, experiences that he found deeply rewarding.

Through these roles, he was able to fund his Australian experience.

Staying Active and Focused

To maintain his focus and energy, Marius made time for sports.

“In order to stay focused on my main objectives, it was essential for me to practice sports,” he said.

He kept fit by running 30 kilometers weekly and even learned to surf.

His athletic dedication shone through when he finished 11th out of 805 participants in the Run2Cure Sydney 10k event.

Program’s Impact on Career Preparation

The ICMS Master of Event Management program, known for blending theory with practical experiences, helped Marius prepare for the diverse challenges of the event industry.

The focus on management skills, risk assessment, and sustainable practices played a crucial role in his success.

Grateful for the support from ICMS faculty, Marius said, “I would like to express my gratitude to my lecturers, Ruth Friedmann, Katrina Denoux, and Feras Orekat, for their professionalism and invaluable knowledge.”

Study Abroad like Marius

The ICMS Study Abroad program lets international students, like Marius Ballinger, study in Australia for up to a year.

It’s a great chance to learn new things, experience Australian culture, and gain work experience.

Students get to enjoy the diverse and lively culture of Australia while studying at a top college.

The program also includes work opportunities, helping students build practical skills.

With lots of support to help students settle in, they can enjoy everything Australia has to offer, from beautiful landscapes to exciting city life, making it a perfect place to learn and grow.

Looking Ahead

As Marius embarks on his career as an international event manager, he reflected on how his time in Australia was vital in achieving his goals and building his confidence.

“I am grateful for all the friends and beautiful people I have met in Australia and so proud of this experience which marks the end of my studies and which will help me become an international event manager.”

To connect with Marius Ballinger, click here.

For more information on ICMS Study Abroad options, click here.