Sonal Palkar is a recruitment professional with international experience who has relocated across countries for work. In this Q&A, Sonal shares her personal journey and reflects on how her background informs her work supporting others going through similar international career transitions.
Can you share a bit about your experience moving abroad and what it taught you?
My journey to London began with the decision to pursue a business degree. More than an academic choice, it was about moving out of my comfort zone to grow. I wanted to experience a different culture, a new way of learning, and a broader perspective on work and life. It wasn’t about choosing between cities; it was about growth, change, and stepping away from a mindset that had started to feel a little limiting.
Before moving, I had spent nearly three and a half years at the same organisation, which was my longest stint with any company at the time. This gave me a strong foundation and clarity on what I wanted next. I’ve always been someone who enjoys exploring, whether it’s new places, ideas, or ways of working. London gave me that exposure, and I embraced it fully.
Now, back in Mumbai, the transition has been interesting. I returned with a refreshed mindset and a clearer understanding of how I want to shape my professional journey.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what led you into recruitment?
I’ve always been drawn to people-focused roles. I started out as an event manager, then moved into HR recruitment, and later taking on a stint as an analytics manager/chief of staff. Each experience added something different to my journey, but somehow, I always found myself coming back to recruitment. It’s the one space that truly feels like home.
There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping people find roles where they can grow, and supporting businesses in building strong, capable teams. Over the years, I’ve come to realise, it’s where I do my best work.
How have you found adjusting to a new role and work culture in a different country?
Adjusting to a new role in a different country was both challenging and rewarding. Every culture brings its own nuances in communication, pace of work, expectations, and even decision-making styles. What helped me the most was approaching everything with curiosity rather than assumptions.
Looking back, the exposure to a different work culture has broadened my perspective and made me a more empathetic and effective professional.
Settling in has had its own rhythm, but the blend of experience and new perspective has been incredibly valuable in how I approach work and collaborations today.
As someone who’s recently relocated, how does that experience help you support others making similar moves?
Relocating is a big change as it really pulls you out of your comfort zone and teaches you how to be resilient and flexible, both emotionally and practically.
When you live and work in a completely new place, you’re exposed to different cultures, ways of thinking, and everyday behaviours. You naturally become more open-minded, more empathetic, and better at communicating.
So, when someone else is going through that kind of move, it’s not just theory—you truly get it. You know what it feels like, and that helps you support them in a much more real and thoughtful way.
What’s been the best part of returning to Mumbai as a place to live and work?
The best part of coming back to Mumbai is being close to family and old friends again. The cost of living is more manageable than where I was, and the city’s constant buzz means opportunities are everywhere. India truly is a land of opportunities.
The real estate and infrastructure space in India is evolving at an incredible pace. There’s real momentum in the industry with new developments, changing regulations, and a growing demand for the right talent. As a recruiter in this space, it’s an exciting time to be here.
Coming back with a fresh perspective, I’ve found a new appreciation for what the city has to offer—both personally and professionally.