Proposal Analyst/Proposal Intelligence Support Review

As a Proposal Analyst at CGI, I support Bid Teams and Proposal Managers across the UK in creating and producing highly attractive, high-quality value-propositions to our prospective clients. My job is all about ensuring CGI persuades clients to partner with us over our competitors. My role includes mapping out responses to the questions a client includes in tender documents and producing branded graphics. My role allows me to interact at all levels of seniority within CGI; we all work as a team to ensure a successful bid response. My role involves working to demanding client deadlines and proofing CGI bid responses to ensure we always put our best foot forward and demonstrate added value.

My time at CGI has provided me with an opportunity to develop new skills through formal training. To date, I have attended training ranging from Copywriting courses with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Presentation Training and Bid Writing courses. CGI has also encouraged me to become a member of Professional Bodies, and I am now a member of the Association for Proposal and Bid Management Professionals (APMP). Soon, I will have an internationally recognised APMP qualification to demonstrate my professional commitment and development. CGI's Sponsored Degree Programme has also seen me earn a Foundation Degree in Business Management for IT as well as a Higher Apprenticeship for IT Professionals. By October 2017 I will have a full BA (Hons) degree in Business Management for IT. On a personal and professional level, my role and studies at CGI have nurtured the development of skills that will support me on my journey at work and in life. These include the ability to communicate confidently with people at all levels in an organisation, to organise my time appropriately, to manage project and bid plans and co-ordinate dispersed teams. At the more specialist level, I've learned about public and private sector procurement processes, bid and proposal management, project management and marketing.

Whilst the demands of university can be great, the sense of achievement and growth that comes with completing the programme is well worth it. Students on the programme become extremely close and supportive of one another and certainly ensure that we have just as much fun as full time university students! The degree programme gives me an opportunity to implement the knowledge and experiences I gain on a day-to-day basis at CGI. The senior management and leadership teams at CGI are extremely supportive of our success on the programme, and the tutors and lecturers who run the programme at the University of Winchester are always willing to provide any support necessary. I look forward to attending university every week and feel a real sense of achievement each and every time I hand in an assignment. The programme has given me a real sense of direction as a young adult which I feel I would not have gained from a full-time job or full time university.

I feel that all of my achievements and needs as an employee and student are fully rewarded and recognised by my organisation. My Manager is actively involved in and fully supports my academic progress, catching up with me on a weekly-basis about what topics I have explored that week. CGI actively reward student achievements and to date I have received two CGI recognition awards for outstanding academic achievement. This is a great incentive to continue working to the best of my ability on the programme. During my time working for CGI I have felt valued by all of the teams and professionals I have encountered. I have been provided with the opportunity to play basketball with Olympians at the Olympic Park, support a Management & Leadership event in London, manage contract change processes on a large client account and provide support to large strategic UK bids. All of these experiences have demonstrated that CGI values my skills and input and trusts me with important responsibilities. I feel that CGI recognises me fully as an individual and the unique value and perspectives that I bring.

Right at the very beginning of the programme the new-in take of students were provided with a week long induction, which encouraged us to build rapport with each other from the outset as well as providing us with an insight into daily life at CGI and the University of Winchester. Throughout my studies, I have had the support of a 'Buddy', a student who had already gone through the programme that provided me with an extra level of support, as well as a 'Mentor' who has supported my studies since day 1.

The University of Winchester provides endless support in helping me to achieve my academic and professional goals. Excellent resources and reading are provided for each and every module and all lessons are interactive and engaging. Some of the techniques the tutors use in supporting our learning include debates, presentations and group-projects that mirror the real-world business environment. All of the tutors at the university operate an open-door policy and are happy to provide us with advice, direction and guidance regarding our studies and professional development. QA, the provider for our Higher IT apprenticeships are also extremely supportive. QA hold regular learning meetings with those of us on the apprenticeship and provide us with progress updates in regards to ticking off the apprenticeship requirements and completing the course. The QA team make themselves readily available to provide the necessary guidance and support.

My team, the HR team and my Manager within CGI are all extremely supportive of my studies. My manager regularly discusses my academic and workplace progress with me, setting new targets and engaging in reflection on a weekly basis. Everyone I have encountered within the organisation has been willing to provide their specialist knowledge for the benefit of my university studies which has certainly benefited my academic and workplace performance. All of CGI's members are aware of the degree programme, its demands and requirements and are always understanding and supportive.

The salary and package I receive at CGI is excellent in terms of providing me with the means to manage my costs. CGI covers the costs for my university text books which is extremely helpful. Because of this, the wages I receive are largely my own and I have been able to save sufficiently whilst on the programme. Being a member of CGI also means I have been able to take advantage of the organisations pension scheme and share purchase plan and I have definitely seen the benefits in terms of being able to make myself financially stable whilst also meeting any costs I need to.

Working at CGI provides endless opportunities to get involved in extra-curricular activities outside of work. These involve supporting local schoolchildren in their studies, attending careers fairs, raising money for the Princes Trust. CGI also has a Sports and Social Club which runs regular events. All of these initiatives and opportunities create a vibrant community culture within the organisation and with the communities around CGI.

Yes

CGI has provided me with a large professional network of supportive peers that would have been impossible to obtain otherwise. The programme has provided me with an opportunity to earn while I learn, providing me with financial security. I have formed great relationships with all of my peers on the programme (past and present) and as a result still get to experience all of the fun that full-time university students experience. Being with CGI has encouraged me to try roles in different areas and specialisms and provided me with much needed direction. For anyone who enjoys experimenting, learning, networking and challenging themselves, CGI offers unparalleled opportunities within an organisation that has embraced the student community as part of its culture.

For anyone applying to CGI, I would say enjoy your assessment day and interview. The interviewers and managers present will want to see what you are really about - and the activities on the day provide you with an opportunity to have fun with other applicants as well as make a good impression. For anyone who joins CGI I would say be sure to put your hand up for extra-curricular activities, such as supporting assessment days or community initiatives. These are a great opportunity to do something different to your day-to-day role and meet people from across the business that you may not otherwise have an opportunity to meet.