What is your current job title and industry and what do you enjoy the most about both?
I relocated from France to Australia mid-2018. In France I worked as an ITSM Consultant for over 15 years, helping companies to manage large-scale and complex services and projects, mainly in the Aerospace Industries.
I have been privileged to have the opportunity of taking a year off to relocate and settle in Australia.
During this sabbatical, I invested my spare time on several professional and personal development themes.
I actively participate in MeetUp groups (mainly Agile and Infrastructure), Toastmasters and the Melbourne itSMF where I had the opportunity to connect with very positive people, who are as passionate about ITSM as I am. I find this very refreshing and encouraging.
My connections with the itSMF and other generous members of the IT community in Melbourne, have made me feel very welcome, helping me to gain better knowledge of the Australian culture and professional life.
I started the new year feeling refreshed and ready to embrace my next challenge, which I hope will be related to Service Desk Operations (my passion).
How long have you been an itSMF Member?
Since December 2018 and looking forward to being even more active in this community.
What itSMF Membership Benefits do you get most value from?
What do you enjoy most about being an itSMF Member?
In my first month as a member, I had the opportunity to participate in a great itSMF event here in Melbourne with very enlightening presentations. This was followed by the end of year celebration, where I had a very enjoyable time and discovered a great sense of community.
I have also started conversations with local committee members about the possibility of helping organizing events more regularly.
Has being an itSMF Member benefited you professionally? If so please specify…
I have a passion for learning and the access to ITIL Online is a great opportunity for me to learn every day. And the events I have attended have allowed me to make many new connections with my new itSMF peer community here in Australia.
What ITSM related certifications do you hold, if any?
ITIL Foundation v3
ITIL Service Offering and Agreement
ITIL Foundations 4 (in preparation)
ITIL Service Operation (in preparation)
What has been your biggest workplace or career challenge and how did you face it?
I suppose, my greatest challenge was resigning from my job in France where I was well established and well known, to embrace the uncertainty of living in a new country with a new language, culture and all the risks this brings.
I face it with a lot of enthusiasm as I have a curious nature and a love for languages and
Sandra Almeida Loureiro
in conversation
with Brendan Cullen
20
Photography by Arek Rainczuk APP, Five Castles Portraits (fivecastles.com.au)