ICMS alumna Sabina Maharjan left an already successful career in hospitality in Dubai to study in Australia at ICMS, and the big move paid off.
Despite studying through the challenging Covid pandemic, Sabina graduated in 2022 with an ICMS Master of Management (Tourism and Hospitality).
Originally from Kathmandu, Nepal, Sabina now inspires current ICMS students aiming to excel in the hospitality industry… just as she continues to do so.
After finishing her undergraduate studies, Sabina saw a big shift in her career.
An ambition to enhance her management skills and make a lasting impact in the hospitality field drove her to look into studying further in Australia.
“I was working with the InterContinental Hotels Groups in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, after completing my undergraduate degree in Hospitality Management in my hometown, Kathmandu, Nepal.
“I was happy with my career growth path and learning every day.
“However, I felt the need to study further to excel in my management skills and to contribute more in the hospitality industry.
“To quench my thirst for knowledge, I began my research for studying abroad which comes with international job opportunities and I was glad to find ICMS.
“Beginning my Aussie adventure and studying at ICMS has been the best decisions of my life.”
When Sabina came to Australia in early 2020, she encountered unexpected difficulties because of the Covid-19 pandemic and border restrictions.
“My colleagues in Dubai, at the time, told me that I am already on the track of achieving a great career peak and that I did not need to take the risk of moving just to study, but I believed in my decision and took the risk,” she said.
With support from ICMS staff, classmates, and her partner, she saw the situation as a chance to review her ambitions and establish new objectives.
“I am very grateful to my partner for always having my back and supporting me through this down phase mentally, financially and emotionally.
“And while I missed out on enjoying face to face classes but with a highly qualified team of lecturers, I always had fun studying via zoom.
“It was new for all of us but never felt dull.
“That phase taught me that no matter what happens, keep moving and remember your goal.”
Sabina’s efforts paid off when she graduated with outstanding academic achievements despite the obstacles she faced.
“I am so proud that I didn’t waste any time during lockdown, instead I was so focused on studying, fully using the time, and when lockdown finished, I graduated with my Master degree with flying colours.”
As an ICMS Postgraduate Innovation Scholarship (New International Students) award winner, Sabina is thankful to the ICMS Scholarship team for their support, and for the boost the scholarship gave her career.
“Being awarded the ICMS Innovation Scholarship helped me to get more recognition and job offers from many reputable hospitality businesses in Australia, even before graduation,” Sabina said.
Given her previous history with IHG Hotels and Groups, Sabina chose to join IHG again to complete her Work Integrated Learning (WIL) industry placement while studying “and there is no looking back afterwards”.
“It gave me new satisfaction and the opportunity to explore hospitality from different points of view, I met some amazing leaders who guided me and believed in my vision.
“I worked with a few other leading hotels in Sydney and moved to the Blue Mountains to explore regional businesses in Australia.”
Sabina is currently a duty manager (front office) at one of the hotels that are part of the Salter Brothers Hospitality Group.
Her move from her home country of Nepal to Dubai and finally, the leap to studying at ICMS has led to her living, working and thriving in her chosen industry in Australia.
“One of the best moments of my life was seeing my name on the ICMS Wall of Fame,” Sabina said.
“I couldn’t thank the amazing ICMS lecturers enough for aiming to get the best out of each student.
“To any new ICMS students I would like to say that you have chosen the right path and your life is about to change.”
For more information on ICMS, click here.
To connect with Sabina Maharjan, click here.
Our Stories, Master of Management (Tourism & Hospitality)