Hi! I’m Sandy
Behind Sandra Engler Career Coaching is me, Sandy, a Talent and Career Coach with a decade of experience in Human Resources and Recruitment across internationally renowned organisations – including the International Olympic Committee, the Australian Olympic Committee, and most recently a multinational aviation services group.
Credentials
- 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
- Vocational qualification in Business (Maturité professionnelle commerciale), Switzerland
I have spent years on both sides of the hiring table, recruiting across industries including aviation, sport, telecommunications, and corporate functions, and interviewing thousands of candidates. I know what hiring managers are looking for and I know what it feels like to be the one searching.
I also took a step away from HR to become a Dive Instructor on the Great Barrier Reef, an experience that taught me how to read people, adapt to the individual, and make them believe in themselves – skills I use every day in my coaching.
I grew up and built my career in Europe before making the move to Australia, and that experience is at the heart of what I offer. I understand both worlds — the European approach to careers, credentials, and workplace culture, and the realities of the Australian job market — which means I can help internationals bridge that gap rather than figure it out alone.
I am multilingual: I coach in English and French, and also speak German and am currently learning Spanish. I am currently completing a Master of Human Resource Management because I believe great coaching should be backed up by more than just experience. It keeps me at the forefront of my field, with deep focus on topics like DEI, negotiation, AI, organisational behaviour and HR strategy.
Originally from Switzerland and now proudly calling Australia home, my career has been shaped by bold moves, continuous learning, and diverse professional environments.
Here’s a little more about the path that brought me here.
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 in Darling Harbour” 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 taught beginners how to scuba dive and supervised a team of 20 on a daily excursion boat to the Great Barrier Reef.
After three years in tourism, I decided to return to HR & Talent Acquisition. Navigating that transition was not easy; I had to take a step back, explain what I had learned in a very different world, and convince employers it was relevant (see transferable skills). Going back to a full-time office role wasn’t as easy as I expected, which is partly why I decided to start my Master of Human Resource Management at that time. Having a clear goal to focus on works well for me, both professionally and personally.
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 we are passionate about! 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 love connecting with people and helping them find their next step. You really can do so many things in life! That is why I decided to launch this 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 have 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.
