Hi! I’m Sandy
Behind Sandra Engler Career Coaching is me, Sandy, a Talent & Career Coach with a decade of experience in Human Resources and Recruitment across international organisations.
I have worked with globally recognised institutions such as the International Olympic Committee and the Australian Olympic Committee, and most recently within a multinational aviation services group, while also pursuing a Master’s in Human Resource Management.
Originally from Switzerland and now based in Australia, my career journey has been shaped by bold moves, continuous learning, and diverse professional environments.
Here’s a little more about the path that brought me here.
Qualifications
- Master of Human Resource Management & Employment Relations (expected 2027), Griffith University
- Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management, Griffith University
- Recruitment Specialist Diploma, SEC, Switzerland
- Federal HR Certificate, Human Resources Swiss Exams, Switzerland
My journey as an expat, building a life and career in Australia.
I was a bit luckier than most internationals moving to Australia because I am a dual citizen, Swiss and Australian by descent, so I didn’t struggle with visas. I grew up in Switzerland, and when I was 27, I moved to Australia to gain international career exposure.
A few years earlier, while visiting Sydney with my mum, I remember telling her, “One day, I’ll be the one working in one of those skyscrapers overlooking the Opera House.” And eventually, it became reality. How? One word: network. Rather than waiting for opportunity, I took the initiative to connect through a mutual introduction and proactively built a professional relationship that ultimately enabled me to progress my international career and relocate to Australia.
I have always been driven by adventure, to explore new places, embrace the unknown, and create a life beyond where I grew up. This ambition began in high school and was strengthened when I moved to London at 21 to learn English and immerse myself in a different culture.
My contract in Sydney was meant to last one year, and the plan was for me to move back home afterwards. However, COVID happened and we all know it threw all our plans away! Because of that – or perhaps thankfully – I was given the opportunity to explore a completely different career path.
I decided to try something new, so I moved to Cairns to do a divemaster internship, travelled to Indonesia to become a dive instructor, and eventually supervised a team of 20 on a daily excursion boat to the Great Barrier Reef.
Follow your dreams! Life is too short not to.
My story proves that I understand our generation’s way of living: following our dreams, listening to our hearts and passions, and having more than one career while pursuing something challenging that truly vibes with us! I am all about it. I believe this is what brings us together as internationals moving abroad. We are fearless, passionate, curious, opportunistic, and we make things happen!
I now call Australia home and am back in my original field, thriving in the Australian market.
I love connecting with people and helping them find their next step. You really can do so many things in life! That’s why I decided to launch this side business; I love hearing people’s stories, especially their career journeys, and helping them figure out what to do has become something that feels completely natural to me.
If you identify with my journey, or if you feel inspired by it, and want to make your own path a little easier, get in touch and book here a free 15-minute consultation.
We can talk about strategies, tools, and advice I’ve picked up along the way, and see how I could help you.
Have a look at my personal LinkedIn for a more detailed journey of my career and achievements.
