Turning Theory into Practice at the Park Hyatt

ICMS Business Management graduate Anna Walker has turned theory into practice in her role as Events Executive at Park Hyatt in Sydney.

Anna Walker, New Zealand

Bachelor of Business Management, 2016

Events Executive, Park Hyatt Sydney

Q: What is your current role?

A month after completing my studies at ICMS I secured a job at Events by Aria, the contracted caterer within Sydney Opera House. Events by Aria also executes events in many different locations, including private residences. My role within the team was as a Sales Coordinator.

In this role my main focus was to sell events to private and corporate clients. I also had the opportunity to plan multiple events, which has given me a wider understanding of the full operation.

Due to office relocation I have recently obtained a new position at Park Hyatt as an Events Executive.

Q: What career achievements are you especially proud of?

Before starting at Events by Aria I had the theoretical skills for the job and was keen to put these into practise. Even though my sales experience was minimal I was determined to work for a well established business within the hospitality industry.

I am especially proud of the knowledge I gained whilst working at Aria and the connections I made with clients. This role gave me the confidence to believe that anything is possible!

Q: How has your ICMS degree contributed to you achieving your professional goals?

Nowadays a degree is a necessity for landing a progressive position, regardless of the industry. ICMS not only provided me with a degree in Business Management but also equipped me with the theoretical and practical skills that allowed me to be confident in starting my career within the industry I wanted.

Q: What were the major contributing factors to your decision to study at ICMS?

Prior to studying at ICMS I completed a diploma in Hospitality Management at ICMS’s sister school, Queenstown Resort College.

It was a big step moving to Manly as I am originally from New Zealand, but the decision was easy to make once I looked further into ICMS’s reputation and how their degrees are internationally recognised.

Q: What were your highlights during your time at ICMS?

What stood out the most for me was having the opportunity to study relevant subjects to my industry of choice, such as Strategic Management, Strategic Marketing and Business Finance. The content learnt within these subjects will never be forgotten and will be forever valuable.

The lecturers always went out of their way to get to know the students personally and always had the best interest of us at heart.

Q: What would be your advice to someone considering studying at ICMS?

Studying at ICMS in the grand scheme of things is short term, but the skills learnt there will help you excel for the rest of your working life. If you are considering studying at ICMS make the leap and just do it, you won’t regret it.

Q: What is the best thing about working in your industry?

Seeing a clients’ event progress from the sales process all the way to the actual day is extremely satisfying.

Additionally, the people you meet along the way and the relationships built with the clients is the reason why I love being in my industry.