Working While Studying the Key to ICMS Alumni’s Rapid Success

Icms alumni Jessica Ho graduated last year, but already has an impressive resume thanks to working – and impressing future employers – while studying Hospitality Management.

Q: What is your current role, and how did you get there?
I am currently the Corporate Sales Coordinator at Hyatt Regency Sydney, also assisting with managing Hyatt Regency Sydney’s corporate accounts. I assist with new business pitches and consumer facing marketing and events.

I started my nine month paid internship at Shangri La Sydney in their fine dining restaurant, Altitude. I worked there for two years while studying at the same time.

I moved on to Park Hyatt Sydney as a food and beverage attendant where I was able to use my service skills learnt from my internship and from the Hospitality Practical subjects at ICMS.

I was quickly promoted to Hostess, where I was the face of The Dining Room and was also responsible for promoting the restaurant to diners.

I was then headhunted by Pier One Sydney Harbour for the role of Food and Beverage Coordinator, responsible for promoting their restaurant and bar, and for the coordination of events such as those held on New Year’s Eve and for corporate and private events. I also trained staff on food and beverage admin and operations.

Q: What career achievements are you especially proud of?
Whilst at Pier One Sydney, I implemented SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for administration, sales and operational duties.

Q: How has your ICMS degree contributed to you achieving your professional goals?
ICMS gave me a great overall understanding of hotel operations and admin from events, food and beverage, front office, rooms and revenue management. I started as a corporate sales coordinator with no rooms background; however, my degree helped me fill that gap.

Q: What were the major contributing factors to your decision to study at ICMS?
The close proximity of the beach, the ability to stay on campus at an affordable cost, the support from lecturers and industry training to get you into the industry, and the practical experience that was part of the degree.

Q: What were your highlights during your time at ICMS?
Being a Residential Assistant.

Q: What lessons did you learn from your industry training?
I learnt to bring what I had learnt theoretically into practice, and the industry training enhanced my ability to think on my feet. Studying at a higher education that offers bachelors and masters degrees that specialises in the hotel industry gave me a substantial advantage in understanding the industry from the inside.

Q: What would be your advice to someone considering studying at ICMS?
Do not second guess the opportunity to study at ICMS. Employers look for students from ICMS as they have both practical knowledge and experience.

Q: What is the best thing about working in your industry?
No two days are the same. There is always a challenge to overcome while maintaining the integrity of the hotel’s brand and seamlessly making the customer’s journey remarkable.