Operations Management Review

I'm responsible for reporting on the company data to the directors and sector leads of the business. I analyse data from clients and internal data to produce spreadsheets and graphs. It sounds boring but actually I enjoy it much more than I thought I would because I'm given responsibility over it so I can design the spreadsheets and graphs however I like and monitor my own work.

I have developed lots of skills through work like confidence, attention to detail, e.c.t... My previous project required problem solving as I did desktop support and my current project also requires problem solving skills as I have to work out how to gain data, interpret data and present data myself. I am hoping to do my Prince 2 this year. I have gained a Mental Health First Aider qualifaction. And of course I also get a free degree :) and learn from that

I enjoy the work and university and team. However, I haven't put this as high as the others because balancing university and work can be challenging and isn't always enjoyable, especially when you get home from a long day of work and have assignments to complete. But I enjoy the challenge and still have a good social life and do different activities with church 5 days a week and usually spend my weekends visiting friends or travelling... so I get tired easily :) but I imagine if I limited my social life then maybe the uni work would be less tiring.

I feel valued by CGI because they let me have responsibility over things. However, it is a big company so unless you have a close team you could easily walk into the office, talk to no one and then walk out again so feel unnoticed.

I think the program we have had has been quite unstructured. We signed up for a degree but got a degree apprenticeship which was slightly different. I don't always know what I am doing and the modules aren't organised best but since its a free degree I don't really mind :) plus my friends who pay for their degree get similar treatment so I think maybe universities in general are just a bit unorganised

University support depends on the lecturers- some will be really helpful and give you specific advice and tips but others will not. But normally the support from the supportive lecturers helps you in modules with less supportive lectuterers so its okay.

The employer is very supportive and gives you a mentor and days off to complete dissertation. However, different projects offer different support- some will allow you to complete uni work during the work day if you run out of work work but others will not. Its all about getting the right project.

Its good :) and good pay rises! I think its a decent salary and allows people to save up for things like house deposit, e.c.t... much much much much better than a student loan!

There are lots of opportunities through sports and social club which is £5 a month and you can go to lots of free events like go karting and meals out. However, not as many uni students in my year go. There is opportunity to volunteer as well. However, I think you sort of need to make your own social life because its not like theres societies and clubs like at university, although you can go to the Winchester ones (and some unis let you go to theirs as well- when I lived in Reading I went to societies as Reading uni) :)

Yes

Its a great opportunity to get work experience, develop confidence, get a free degree and have a good challenge

Be yourself at the interview. Look at the CGI values and prepare using them. Be confident and friendly :)