The ICMS Internal Graduate Survey from the October 2025 graduation ceremonies highlighted high levels of satisfaction among this year’s graduates.
The survey, conducted at both the undergraduate and postgraduate [ICMS graduation ceremonies](https://www.icms.edu.au/news/a-Day-of-Pride-Icms-October-2025-Graduation/ "ICMS graduation ceremonies") on 31 October, collected feedback from more than 200 recent graduates, offering insights into their experiences and suggestions for improvement.
High Recommendation Satisfaction
ICMS achieves a standout 92% recommendation satisfaction rate, far above the national average of 76% reported by Universities Australia. This places ICMS among the highest-performing institutions for student experience in Australia, reflecting our strong community, industry-focused learning, and personalised support. (Source: universitiesaustralia.edu.au)
Among respondents, several noted that they had transferred from other universities such as Macquarie University, UTS, and Western Sydney University. They wanted an education focused on career outcomes and industry experience which they found at ICMS.
Standout Features of the ICMS Experience
Graduates identified several aspects that set ICMS apart, often speaking from their own personal experience.
When asked, “To you, what is ICMS’s main strength?” students and alumni shared a wide range of answers:
- “The community.”
- “Location near Manly Beach.”
- “The lecturers, who have real-world experience.”
- “Career-focused learning that led to my role at [Football Australia](https://footballaustralia.com.au/ "Football Australia").”
- “Diversity in the classroom.”
- “Small classes where you know your peers and lecturers.”
- “Flexibility in course options.”
- “Supportive environment and approachable staff.”
- “Internship program; my placement at [LVMH](https://www.lvmh.com/ "LVMH") opened so many doors.”
- “Professionalism of everyone involved.”
- “On campus life; being part of a vibrant student community.”
- “Networking; many opportunities came from my internship at [Accor](https://all.accor.com/a/en/destination/city/hotels-sydney-v5577.html "Accor").””
These responses highlight key features cited by many participants:
- Work-Integrated Learning ([WIL](https://www.icms.edu.au/industry-training/ "WIL")) and Internships: Frequently mentioned as a key advantage. As one student put it, “The WIL placement” was the best part of the course, while another shared, “My internship gave me real-world experience and helped me get a job.”
- Industry Professionals Lecturing: Many valued learning “from industry professionals” and called out “professional lecturers” who brought “real-world application of learning” into the classroom.
- Small Class Sizes: Graduates praised the “small classes,” noting they made it “easy to communicate” and encouraged “supportive peers and engaging learning environments.”
- Practical Experience: Practical learning was a recurring theme: “It’s the hands-on approach,” one said. Others mentioned “practical and interactive” classes and “real life application” that helped them “study with hands-on practicing.”
- Flexibility and Choice: The ability to tailor their studies stood out, with comments about the “flexible course structure,” “different classes you can pick,” and “being able to choose electives from each degree.”
- Building Friendships and Community: Students highlighted “making friends,” the “welcoming environment,” and “being confident.”
- Networking and Opportunities: [Field trips, group work, and opportunities to “talk to industry leaders,](https://www.icms.edu.au/future-Students/masterclasses-Site-Visits-and-Industry-Immersions/ "Field trips, group work, and opportunities to “talk to industry leaders")” as well as “knowledgeable teachers,” were often named as best aspects.
These voices reflect the strengths that define the ICMS [student experience](https://www.icms.edu.au/future-Students/student-Experiences/ "student experience") and show the college’s commitment to providing a supportive, industry-focused education.
Strong Employment Outcomes for Graduates
According to recent data, 92% of ICMS graduates secured employment prior to graduation, highlighting strong career outcomes for students.
The College’s Work Integrated Learning (WIL) program continues to deliver measurable results, with 47% of graduates gaining employment at the same organisation where they completed their WIL placement.
Students completed placements with a diverse range of leading industry partners, including
Greater Western Sydney Giants,
THE ICONIC,
Australian Turf Club,
ANZ,
Surf Life Saving Sydney Northern Beaches (SLSSNB),
Cartier, and
Four Seasons Hotel Sydney.
These placements provided students with valuable, hands-on experience in real workplace environments.
Additionally, 76% of graduates reported that their placement company wanted them to remain in the role, demonstrating the strong professional impact and workplace readiness of ICMS students.
