ICMS Students Get Hands-On with AI at Salesforce Tower

ICMS Information Technology, Business, and Marketing students recently visited the iconic Salesforce Tower in Sydney for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at innovation, artificial intelligence, and global tech careers – all while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. 

The day began with an exciting tour of the tower, capped off on the Ohana Floor at the very top.  

With its panoramic bird’s-eye views of Sydney, the Ohana Floor set a stunning stage for what would be an unforgettable day of learning and networking. 

A Warm Welcome to the World of Salesforce

Students were welcomed to the tech giant by Rowena Westphalen, Salesforce’s Senior Vice President of Innovation, AI, and Customer Advisory.  

She shared Salesforce’s incredible start-up story, tracing its roots back to four employees in a one-bedroom apartment who revolutionised the tech industry with their ideas on cloud technology, subscription business models, and stakeholder-focused values. 

Rowena also emphasised Salesforce’s core values of trust, customer success, innovation, equality, and sustainability.  

True to these principles, Salesforce operates on a 1–1–1 model, donating 1% of its time, product, equity, or profit to make a positive impact on the community and the planet. 

Hands-On with AI Technology

The highlight of the excursion was a hands-on workshop where students got to interact with cutting-edge AI tools.  

Led by Tom Bruerton, a Senior Solution Engineer at Salesforce, the session took students through the steps of creating and tailoring their own AI-powered sales agents. 

Students used Salesforce’s platform to train the agents, learning how to make them adaptable to different scenarios.  

They then participated in simulated sales calls, putting their creations to the test.  

Afterward, the system provided insightful feedback, showing students what went well and where they could improve.  

This exercise offered a glimpse into the dynamic role of solution engineers and the innovative tools driving businesses forward today. 

A Career-Boosting Panel

After the workshop, the focus shifted to future careers.  

Rob Cheyne, Salesforce’s Chief Customer Transformation Advisor, shared impactful tips on how students can stand out in competitive tech industry job markets.  

From crafting a strong personal brand to maximising internship opportunities, Rob’s session was packed with practical advice.

He explained that luck plays a big role in success, but you can influence it through awareness and action.  

While blind or unique luck may be out of your control, “you can create the circumstances in which you are more lucky” by building expertise, spotting opportunities, and treating life strategically.  

He emphasised aligning personal strengths with market needs, honing skills, and being intentional about career decisions.  

Trust is also crucial, built on competence, reliability, integrity, and empathy.  

His final reminder was that “feedback is a gift”, and that seeking it out, asking questions, and networking are the keys to career growth. 

Key Takeaways for Career Success

The career panel brought the day to a close with even more inspiration.  

Alongside Rob, three Salesforce professionals – ICMS alumna Samantha Hardiman (Business Development Representative), Ben Taylor (Vice President of Solution Engineering) and Christine Ewen (Principal B2B Product Specialist) – shared their own career journeys.  

Students learned about the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and networking in navigating a successful career in tech.  

The panelists also gave an insider’s perspective on the culture at Salesforce, revealing its supportive, innovative, and fast-paced environment. 

Bringing Learning to Life

The Salesforce excursion was an engaging blend of real-world application, collaborative learning, and professional development for ICMS students.  

From hands-on interactions with AI to hearing from industry leaders, it painted a clear picture of what it’s like to work at the forefront of technology. 

This kind of industry-focused experience is at the heart of ICMS’s educational approach.  

It bridges the gap between theory and practice, preparing students to step confidently into their future careers.