Since you made it here, let me tell you the full story.
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 October 2026), 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, telecommunications, retail, disability services (NDIS), sport, customer service, and a wide range of corporate functions. 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 – transferrable 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: an international understanding of careers, credentials, and workplace culture, and a deep, specific knowledge of the Australian job market. That combination means I can help international professionals bridge the gap rather than figure it out alone.
I am multilingual: I coach in English and French, and also speak German. 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.
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 did not 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: networking. 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 made a bold move and followed my dream of working on a boat and pursuing my passion of scuba diving. 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 and 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 was not as smooth 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.
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! Whether you have just arrived or are ready for a new chapter, I am here to help.
I love connecting with people and helping them find their true north. 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 next comes naturally to me.
The right guidance changed everything for me. If my story resonates with yours, I would love to hear it.
Not ready yet? Still wondering why you are not getting interviews? I built this FREE guide from my own experience navigating the Australian job market.
