Some individuals have a specific career path in mind that they are eager to pursue with perseverance and dedication. For Marcelle Sprecher, that was not the case – and she never wanted it to be that way.
“I am one of those people who really enjoys learning, so I have had a continuing educational focus over my life. I set my career goals depending on where my next learning opportunity would take place,” shares Marcelle simply. “I was always inspired by new and varied projects, so I looked for opportunities where those might arise.”
Having worked in a variety of different jobs and professions, Marcelle joined the HR field, and then ran her own consultancy business for 10 years. Currently, Marcelle is dedicated to two things: her research in the HR field, and teaching.
Getting into the Industry
Marcelle started working at age 12 at a firm where her mother was working. “I was doing pay cheques for gravel truck drivers, organizing a school supplies stockroom and filling orders”, she remembers. “I had a few ‘informal’ jobs before getting my first ‘real’ job, and I believe they taught me a lot.”
Marcelle started out her career path in a general accounting role, and was quickly promoted to a Pensions Manager position. “A vacancy opened up, and I took the opportunity,” shares Marcelle. “I was responsible for overseeing 7 pension plans for approximately 70,000 members across Western Canada, and I was also their first ‘computer person’.” Once Marcelle relocated to Vancouver, she worked as a pension and benefits administrator for a while, which then led her to first, managerial, and then director ranks in human resources.
“I was always eager to pursue different projects, continue learning and show eagerness in everything I did. Just being there, showing up and giving it my best opened a lot of doors for me and often led to promotions.”
Having spent several years in the job, Marcelle realized that she wanted to challenge herself again. “I went to work as a Consultant for William Mercer Ltd., where I was kindly allowed to work across practice areas. I was formally assigned to the pension’s area, where I worked in pension investments and defined contribution pension plans.” But Marcelle did not stop there either. “I was recruited to work as the Director of Human Resources for a forestry company, where I oversaw labor relations and compensation issues.”
Having done many different roles in the HR field, Marcelle not only learned a variety of different skills for her job, but also learned about herself. “I realized I did not like to do things more than two times: once to learn it, and next – to improve it. I also realized that if I was not learning, it was time to move on to new opportunities and support my staff being promoted into my vacancy (or vacancies).”
“If I was asked whether I thought of myself as an adventurous person, I would have said “no”. But looking back – I guess I am. Adventure for me is not something like skydiving; it is pursuing something new and different.”
Entrepreneurial Heart
New opportunities called Marcelle once again, as she started thinking about transitioning from being an employee towards being an owner. “I knew that when I wanted to do something new, I only needed two things: to do my best at whatever I was pursuing, and to always ask for new opportunities. So when consultancy drew me back, I knew it was time to pursue it on my own.”
Marcelle decided to start her own business and explore this new avenue. “I never believed I would have my own business – but I did. For 10 years, I had a very successful practice, working on a variety of projects related to organizational strategy, recruitment, compensation, employee relations, training and development, as well as pensions and benefits” she shares. “I was privileged to be able to work for private and public sector firms of various sizes and businesses on a myriad of unique and highly interesting projects.”
Throughout her diverse career path, Marcelle never stopped learning and growing. She has a variety of degrees and designations, including a college diploma in General Administration, a university degree in Commerce and a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS) designation. As a true supporter of lifelong learning, she has also made it a practice to participate in organizing and attending many different conferences, seminars and courses.
When asked what she enjoyed the most about her career path, she notes without hesitation: the connections she has made with people.
“Without a doubt, I enjoyed the variety of people and projects that I encountered, and the opportunities to work with others to creatively solve issues. I believe that there is always a solution – you just need to be open to it.”
Teaching Adventure
As a new wave of transitions took place in Marcelle’s life when she decided to leave her practice and focus on research and teaching. “I have always enjoyed teaching, from when I was very young,” says Marcelle with a smile. “I almost went into teaching as a career, but business beckoned – and here I am now, teaching business and HR!”
Marcelle joined Ashton’s faculty to teach the Human Resources program. “I enjoy the online format that Ashton has developed and is continuing to improve. We have great technology available, and live online webinars make classes much more interactive.”
When asked what teaching means to her, Marcelle says simple: a way of giving back. “I want to pass down the knowledge and experiences that I have to a new generation of learners and HR professionals. I spend quite some time and resources to update the courses and their content, and I love to do that. Teaching goes out of date really fast, so it is important to keep up-to-date with all the new things that happen in HR.”
“I look at teaching as both a way to give back and a continuing development tool for myself. I enjoy learning about how the HR field is evolving and improving and then convey it to my students.”
What Marcelle enjoys the most is the impact her mentorship has on young HR professionals. “I have done many different things in the HR field. But what is most gratifying is knowing that the people around me (staff, learners or mentees) have benefited from my leadership, teaching or advice. I have a lot of different notes, cards and messages from people who I have been able to support, and I am happy they have been able to achieve so much – and that I helped them on their path somehow.”
A Word of Advice
“Show up. Participate. Be known as trustworthy. Be confident. And on top of everything, learn how to shake hands with the numbers.”
According to Marcelle, the biggest advice she can give to her students is to be eager to learn and grow. “Human Resources must have the knowledge and expertise to be able to provide the support required. So continue to learn, as learning is lost over time if it is not refreshed.”
And on a personal level, Marcelle reminds us about our health. “Take care of your health and the health of those around you – workmates, family and friends.
“And if someone comes to you for advice, always take the time to listen to them and support them.”
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