ICMS Degree a Ticket to Australian Hospitality Industry Career

ICMS Master of Management (Tourism and Hospitality) alumna Devina Oree’s move from the peaceful island of Mauritius to the busy city of Sydney in Australia shows her determination, ambition, and how education can change lives.

“I am incredibly grateful for my time at ICMS,” Devina said.

“It not only prepared me for my roles in the industry but also helped me build resilience and adaptability, traits that have been crucial in both my career and personal milestones, such as submitting my PR application and embarking on a PhD journey.

“ICMS gave me the confidence to push boundaries and aim higher.”

ICMS Scholarship Paved the Way

Devina’s journey started when she received a scholarship from the ICMS Professional Scholarships Program to study at ICMS.

This wasn’t just financial help; it showed that people believed in her and expected her to do well, pushing her to succeed in her studies and career.

“Being a scholarship recipient was a pivotal part of my growth,” Devina said.

“It wasn’t just the financial support but also the prestige and responsibility that came with it.

“It pushed me to excel academically while giving me a platform to connect with industry leaders and mentors.

“It instilled in me a sense of discipline, dedication, and confidence that has continued to serve me well in my career.”

Climbing the Career Ladder

Her career path is impressive, with management roles at Meriton Suites and Sheraton Grand Sydney Hyde Park.

Currently, Devina is the Manager on Duty at Holiday Inn IHG Hotels, showing her skill and commitment to the industry.

Looking back on her time at ICMS, Devina talks about the valuable experiences she got from internships and networking.

These experiences improved her leadership skills and expanded her professional connections, leading to career opportunities.

“One lesson from ICMS that has stayed with me is the importance of resilience,” Devina said.

“The hospitality industry is fast-paced, and setbacks are inevitable, but ICMS taught me how to handle challenges with grace and perseverance.”

Pursuing a PhD: A Passion for HR Excellence

Devina is passionate about the people side of hospitality and is now working on a PhD in Human Resources for hotels.

She wants to explore more about keeping employees engaged, how to retain them, and developing leaders, as she thinks these are crucial for the industry’s future.

“The hotel industry is not just about services but about managing human capital effectively.

“Through my experience in the field, I saw the gaps and opportunities in HR, particularly in employee engagement, retention, and leadership development.

“By focusing on HR in my PhD, I hope to contribute to improving these aspects and eventually take on more strategic roles in the industry.”

Advice for Aspiring Professionals

Devina advises current ICMS students and future hospitality professionals to take advantage of every chance they get.

“Make the most of every opportunity, whether it’s internships, networking events, or leadership roles,” Devina said.

“Experience and interpersonal skills are highly valued in this industry.”

ICMS combines practical learning with academic studies through its Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program, which ensures all degrees include internships.

This gives students hands-on experience, letting them apply what they learn in real-world settings.

Through internships, students build their resumes and gain useful insights into their fields, setting them up for career success.

Devina’s experience is a great example of how this works.

“ICMS played a crucial role in shaping my career,” Devina said.

“The combination of academic rigor and real-world learning experiences made me industry-ready.

“Courses in hospitality operations, management, and human resources, along with my internship placements, gave me an in-depth understanding of the industry.”

For more information on the ICMS Master of Management (Tourism and Hospitality), click here.

For more information on the ICMS Professional Scholarships Program, click here.