My journey in education has been a fusion of discovery and evolution. Beginning as a Computer Science student, I embarked on a four-year odyssey at MacEwan University in Edmonton, delving into the realms of Computer Science and Statistics. As I progressed, a shift in perspective beckoned—a desire to see the tangible impact of my efforts, to witness how my work directly improved lives.
In the fall of 2020, I ventured westward to Victoria, embracing a new chapter at the Gustavson School of Business, University of Victoria. There, I specialized in Entrepreneurship and Service Management, learning the ropes of process enhancement, human resources, marketing, finance, and creative troubleshooting. This educational blend painted a unique canvas, blending the technical prowess of Computer Science and Statistics with the managerial finesse, financial acumen, and marketing savvy nurtured in the Business program.
During my tenure at UVic, the KPMG Largest Company Market Cap Award recognized my contribution within a simulated business management scenario—a testament to my team's dedication. Additionally, the Weston Family Scholarship in Hotel & Restaurant Management honored my exceptional academic journey, bestowed for my achievements in the Business program.
Graduating with distinction and a spot on the Dean's List, my education stands as a tapestry of diverse skills and experiences, a testament to my commitment to knowledge and the pursuit of excellence.
As the world navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I found myself with unexpected free time after being laid off. This became an opportunity to explore new skills beyond my university coursework. With a thirst for knowledge, I embarked on a journey of self-improvement.
My first foray was into web development and optimization, areas not deeply covered in my Computer Science curriculum. HubSpot's Content Marketing course kicked things off, revealing the art of cultivating blogs to drive inbound leads for companies. I soon delved into Process Mining, thanks to Celonis—a newfound gem that enriched my Service Management skills.
Curiosity led me to explore website-building platforms, and Vako Shvili's course on Complete Web Design became a turning point. Here, I discovered Webflow, the very tool that brought this site to life. As I aimed for a deep understanding of contemporary trends, I dived into Joshua George's Advanced SEO Strategies course, building on my earlier HubSpot experience to better serve clients.
But my learning journey didn't stop there. I've also invested time in the Canada School for Public Servants, soaking up knowledge ranging from Project Management to Agile Processes and Indigenous reconciliation.
Furthermore, I'm presently immersed in Google's CyberSecurity Professional Certification course, further enriching my skill set and staying aligned with the ever-evolving digital landscape.
For a comprehensive list of my educational ventures, check out my Notion page! This journey of continuous learning is an embodiment of my commitment to growth and adapting to the evolving landscape.
Welcome! I'm Spencer Hoogkamp, and I'm excited about the possibility of collaborating with you. This page is a genuine glimpse into my identity, free from the artificiality often associated with social media. As you scroll, you'll uncover insights into my Academic Background, Professional Journey, and Personal Passions—no LinkedIn fluff here. I hope you'll find it intriguing.
I'm someone who's naturally curious—I've always wondered why things tick and why the world is the way it is. That's why I spent six years in university, exploring a mix of subjects, from Greek History to Calculus to Psychology.
I began with Computer Science and a minor in Statistics, but as I grew, I found my values better aligned with Commerce. This journey shaped me into somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades. I now work with a broad range of skills with a focus on web design, real estate, and government. This mix lets me collaborate with people and companies all over the world, and I get to learn about different cultures and trends while making a positive impact on people's lives.
My time in university wasn't just about classes; it was about my desire for learning, my willingness to change course, and my drive to make a difference.
My journey into the working world began early – at eleven, I teamed up with my brother armed with our dad's pressure washer and dreams of a window-washing business for downtown Edmonton offices. As you might guess, entrusting a pressure washer to a pair of eleven- and eight-year-olds wasn't the best idea, and our venture was short-lived.
Around fifteen, I jumped into my first 'real' job as a line cook at Boston Pizza in Edmonton. That experience, coupled with my ongoing involvement in various service and commission-based sales roles, instilled a strong work ethic and unwavering determination. My time in the service industry laid the foundation, and my stints at Telus and Parametric Pro Consulting honed my professional skills.
All these experiences converged into the launch of Wavepoint Media and Spencer Hoogkamp Web Design. While Wavepoint was a one-year venture, it was a dynamic partnership that ignited my passion for innovation and collaboration. These initiatives represent the culmination of my efforts, my dedication to quality work, and my love for creating solutions that matter.
Today, I proudly stand as a part of the Government of Canada, where my journey has led me. It's been a winding road, filled with learning curves and triumphs, and I'm excited for the chapters still ahead.
Outside of work, you'll find my life woven with simple yet meaningful threads. I'm a gamer, a photographer, and a wannabe chef. Learning, travel and nature also hold special places in my heart.
My friends often say I'm determined, reliable, and easy to talk to. In fact, I once heard that in a Business class, my word was like gospel – a memory that still brings a smile.
According to the Myers-Briggs test, I'm an introverted, observant thinker who's all about exploring possibilities.
My world is a mix of everyday joys, real connections, and a dash of tech geekiness. It's the ordinary stuff that makes life extraordinary.