Since 2010, Sandrine Van Den Oudenhoven has been running Job4U2, a company that helps the spouses of expatriates who have moved to Switzerland to continue their careers—whether by finding a new job, starting their own business, or completely changing career paths. After earning a master’s degree in engineering in Reims, France, gaining extensive experience in supply chain management, sales, project management, and procurement—and, above all, traveling extensively—she ultimately chose Bevaix as the place to run her company and live with her husband and two daughters. A portrait of a vibrant entrepreneur.
How did you discover Neuchâtel?
My first visit was a sightseeing trip in 2000. I had just moved from Paris to Lausanne and had the chance to spend a day in Neuchâtel. I met my husband, and we moved to Brussels for four years. Then he got a job opportunity in Switzerland, and we settled in Biel, near his workplace. That’s when I started my own business, and by chance, my first clients were from Neuchâtel. The Neuchâtel area was the one that responded most quickly to my services—perhaps because I felt at home there. In the end, my professional and personal networks developed mainly in Neuchâtel. We wanted to buy a house and return to French-speaking Switzerland, and Bevaix seemed like the natural choice because we missed the culture of French-speaking Switzerland and we liked the town.
Do you have a particular early memory of the canton?
Emotionally, I still vividly remember my first business meeting on the terrace of the Silex in Hauterive. It was so beautiful. I thought to myself that my office was, in a way, right on the lake. It quickly became my main venue for business meetings.
What made you decide to start a business?
I took a step back to reflect on my professional situation after having my children and traveling to and living in many countries. This steered my interest toward HR and the job market. That’s when I discovered a professional in Italy whose job was to coach spouses upon their arrival in the country. It really resonated with my background, my interests, and my skills. I wanted to retrain and be able to offer this type of support in Switzerland. Work is the primary source of social connection, so it’s often crucial when moving to a new place. My company was founded in 2010, and we now have six coaches. We’ve helped more than 500 people navigate major life changes.
Is it easy to start a business in Switzerland?
To the best of my knowledge, along with the Netherlands, Switzerland is the European country where it is easiest to start a business.
What was the hardest part about getting started?
When I started my company, I came from the corporate world, where professional relationships are very formal and contract-based. I had to rethink my approach to adapt to the local culture. For example, in Switzerland, people don’t sign confidentiality agreements at the first meeting. Trust is built informally as the relationship develops.
What do you like most about the canton of Neuchâtel?
The quality of life, the outdoors, nature, and the friendly atmosphere found in small villages. The urban environments are high-quality. They meet people’s needs for culture, shopping, socializing, and recreation. At the same time, there is immediate access to a wide variety of natural surroundings. Mobility is also an important factor. After living in major Swiss cities and abroad, I’ve found that getting around is easier here. Everything is close by.