Callum's career journey is a testament to adaptability, resilience, and a passion for embracing new experiences in a new country. His pathway began in the UK, where he joined Sodexo’s graduate scheme, gaining valuable exposure across various sectors, including corporate services, security, and catering. Although the COVID-19 pandemic cut the program short, Callum's hard work paid off. After nine months, he was offered a role as Deputy Workplace Manager, managing 15 offices across the UK, Ireland, Isle of Man, and Jersey.

 "Managing multiple locations with just my manager and I, taught me a lot about responsibility, teamwork, and leadership."

A Fresh Start: From the UK to New Zealand and Australia

After a few years in the UK, Callum was ready for a change of scenery and moved to New Zealand for a year. There, he stepped away from his facilities management career to take up casual hospitality work, but his drive to return to the industry remained strong. Before arriving in Australia, Callum reconnected with his Sodexo network and, in just three weeks, secured a role as a Maintenance Support Officer in Gove, Australia.

Callum’s new role in Gove offered him something unique—FIFO (Fly-In Fly-Out) work, a setup that was different from anything he’d done before. The FIFO arrangement has allowed him to work intensively for two weeks at a time, and then take a week off to travel and explore Australia. Callum enjoyed the flexibility and financial benefits that FIFO work offered, allowing him to travel and experience unique parts of Australia.

"I’ve enjoyed the FIFO lifestyle because it enables me to work hard for two weeks, save money—since I’m not spending on rent, food, or other expenses—and then I have a full week off to explore Australia. It works well for me, as I came here to both travel and enjoy myself, and this job allows me to fund my adventures without the worry of saving up while working in a city. Plus, living in remote areas makes exploring the country even more rewarding."

For Callum, this balance is exactly what he was looking for. As a solo traveller from England under the age of 30, a working holiday visa has allowed Callum to grow professionally while still embracing the freedom to travel.

"Long term, I want to continue building my career in facilities management while I’m young and have the chance to see the world. Sodexo’s global reach means I can keep advancing in my career, no matter where I am, without being tied down to one place."

A People-First Approach to Hiring   

One of the aspects that Callum appreciates most about working with Sodexo—both in the UK and Australia—is the company’s people-centric approach to hiring. He noticed that Sodexo doesn’t just look for experience; it prioritises hiring individuals who will gel with the team and contribute to a safe and positive work environment.

"Sodexo has a real focus on hiring the right people, not just those with the most experience. They look for individuals who can belong to a team, act with purpose, and thrive in their own way. I’ve seen this both in the UK and now here in Australia, and it’s been a key reason why I’ve settled in so well."

At Sodexo, it’s much more than just a job—it’s about creating opportunities for people like Callum who have a vested interest in the industry and who want to work abroad while continuing to grow in their career. 

Looking Ahead: Work, Travel, and Endless Possibilities

As Callum continues his journey in Australia, he’s fully embracing both professional and personal opportunities. His FIFO schedule has allowed him to explore cities like Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast, with plans to visit Cairns and Bali during his breaks. Whether it’s skydiving or relaxing by the beach, Callum is making the most of balancing work with his passion for travel.

Callum’s story is a testament to Sodexo’s commitment to offering opportunities that enable employees to pursue both their personal passions and professional growth. With the support of Sodexo’s global network and internal mobility, Callum continues to explore new horizons—both in his career and across the world.