Sandra Thermildor never set out to build a career in data and analytics.

Nearly a decade ago, she joined ISS as a receptionist with a focus on doing her job well, balancing work with school and taking life one step at a time. When she started at the company, Sandra says she couldn’t have imagined where that first role would lead.

“I was nowhere near thinking about where I am now,” she says. “ISS gave me something that changed everything for me — support.”

While working full time, Sandra earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degree, allowing her to pivot her career at ISS toward analytics. What made that possible wasn’t just determination, but a workplace culture that encouraged growth rather than limiting it.

“ISS became a pillar for me,” she says. “The company gave me the space to study, to work and to figure out what I was capable of achieving.”

Discovering a Passion for Data

Sandra’s turning point came not in a classroom, but on site. Working as a receptionist in a fintech environment, she found herself surrounded by data analysts and scientists. Conversations with colleagues at the front desk inspired her to re-think her role and adjust the trajectory of her career.

“I realized I loved structure, organization and understanding how things worked behind the scenes,” she says. “I saw just how powerful data could be, even though at the time it wasn’t being talked about as a necessity yet. But the more difficult something is, the more excited I get, and challenges are just opportunities to grow.”

Already familiar with coding and software concepts, Sandra shifted her academic focus to analytics. At work, she looked for ways to build experience wherever she could, doing things like helping with data cleaning, supporting small projects or learning directly from those around her. Her managers noticed.

“They saw my passion and encouraged me to keep going, to try more things,” she says. “That support made me want to stay and grow within the company.”

From the Reception Desk to Business Intelligence

The transition from receptionist to business intelligence wasn’t without its challenges, but the experience was surprisingly seamless for Sandra.

“In some critical ways, it was super easy for me to make the switch,” she says. “The workload changed completely, but the core of my job, communicating with people and building strong working relationships, stayed the same.”

Even now, working behind the scenes building dashboards and cleaning data, Sandra sees her role as deeply people-centered. She collaborates with stakeholders across the business, translating complex data into insights others can use. Her blend of technical skill and relationship building has become a unique strength for the Business Intelligence team.

“I’m still communicating all the time,” she says. “I just do it differently now and with different stakeholders. Interpersonal connection is important no matter what kind of work you’re doing.”

Making an Impact with Data

For Sandra, the most meaningful part of her work is helping others see what’s possible.

“We have so much data, but if it’s not clean or usable, it doesn’t help anyone,” she says. “My role is about building that bridge, taking what we have and turning it into something people can actually use to make decisions. When people see the impact of what they’re inputting — how it shows up in dashboards, how it affects outcomes — it changes the way they work. Those ‘I didn’t know we could do that’ moments are my favorite.”

As she looks back, Sandra is clear about what made her journey possible.

“I don’t think people realize how important it is to work for a company that truly supports you,” she says. “ISS doesn’t just talk about growth, they help you act on it. There are people here who will have those conversations with you, who will help you see what’s possible. That’s something not everyone has, and it’s something worth using.”

From the front desk to business intelligence, Sandra’s story is a reminder that careers aren’t always planned. But with curiosity, courage and the right support, they can become something even better than imagined.

“If I had stayed comfortable, I would never be here,” she says. “You’re capable of more than you think, as long as you keep going.”