Catalina: proof that it is possible to return to practicing your profession in Australia

Migrating is not just about moving to another country. It means starting from scratch, facing uncertainty, rediscovering yourself, and above all, having the courage to rebuild a professional career in a completely new environment.This is the real story of Catalina, born in Bogotá, Colombia, now a Completions Engineer in the oil & gas industry in Australia. A story that reflects the strength, resilience, and determination that define the migration journey of hundreds of Latin American professionals.

The beginning of a dream: from Bogotá to Australia

Before migrating, Catalina worked in Colombia as a petroleum engineer. She enjoyed the challenges of her career and the technical demands of the energy sector. But deep inside, she felt the desire to expand her horizons, live an international experience, and grow personally and professionally.

In 2017, she made the decision that would change her life: migrating to Australia, a country known for its quality of life, stability, and openness to foreign professionals. Her arrival was exciting—everything was new, vibrant, and full of promise. But, as happens with many migrants, once the initial excitement faded, the real challenges began.

The first challenges: language, culture, and reinvention

It didn’t take long for Catalina to realize that adapting would not be easy:

• English, although manageable, was not always easy to fully understand.

• The work culture was very different.

• Entering the Australian professional market was far from simple.

  
  

While searching for opportunities in her field, she had to work in completely different sectors such as hospitality and even information technology (IT). Although temporary, the contrast between those jobs and her true vocation was immense.

Yet Catalina never let go of her goal: returning to work as an engineer.

Back to engineering: four years of growth and opportunity

After a journey filled with perseverance, Catalina managed to re-enter the oil and gas industry in Australia, where she has now been working again for almost four years.

She currently works for a major company in the sector, leading gas operations. Her role is highly technical and operational: she goes on-site, tests new technologies that haven’t yet arrived in the country, and manages key completions processes.

“This has been the best job I’ve had in my career. I learn every day—both technically and in the language. I feel grateful.”

The Skills Assessment: the biggest challenge… and the most transformative one

Like many international professionals, Catalina had to validate her qualifications and experience through Skills Assessment Australia. Her process took place in two stages:

1️⃣ First, she validated her engineering degree.

2️⃣ Later, already working in Australia, she completed the assessment of her work experience.

It was a technical, detailed, and demanding process. It required organization, discipline, and a great deal of patience. Looking back now, Catalina recognizes that she could have completed it more efficiently had she received professional support from the beginning. Even so, she affirms it was an invaluable learning experience.

The emotional side: pauses, loneliness, and resilience

One of the hardest moments for Catalina was having to stop practicing her profession temporarily. For someone passionate about her field, this was a deep emotional challenge.

She also experienced the loneliness that many migrants face—the constant cycle of friends arriving and leaving, shaping the experience of living far from home.

But this phase also gave her essential tools:

• Resilience

• Adaptation

• Self-awareness

• Emotional strength

  
  

All of which sustain her now, both professionally and personally.

Networking: the key that opened the doors

If Catalina could give one piece of advice to someone just beginning this path, it would be:

“Surround yourself with people from your industry. Network. Connect with those who are already where you want to be. That helps enormously.”

It was precisely networking that allowed Catalina to enter the Australian energy sector and solidify her professional path.

Brisbane: her home, her balance, her place of connection

Today, Catalina lives in Brisbane, Queensland, a city she describes as the perfect place to grow and breathe tranquility.

• Modern, vibrant, and full of life

• Built around the river

• With spectacular weather

• And with spaces where every sunset feels like a gift

  
  

“Brisbane is small, but it has everything. It’s beautiful, dynamic, and has given me peace. I love living here.”

Catalina dreams of continuing to grow in the Australian energy industry, taking on leadership roles, and building a stable life in this country she already considers her second home.

She is also passionate about helping other Latin American professionals starting this journey: guiding them, advising them, and making their transition a little easier than hers.

Catalina’s story shows that Skills Assessment doesn’t just validate a career… it transforms a life.

If you also want to reclaim your profession in Australia, advance in your field, and build a real future in this country, remember her message:

Don’t give up. Surround yourself with good people, good information, and trust your preparation. Every step is worth it.

✔️ Free consultation to help you understand your case and provide the best options – Book your free consultation here

If you want more information about the Skills Assessment process, migration, or simply want to connect with other professionals, we invite you to join our WhatsApp group "Latinos Profesionales en Australia" 🇦🇺. Share experiences, ask questions, and find support on your path to residency in Australia. You can also join our Facebook group here.