Software Tester Review

I am a software tester and working towards being a software developer during my time in the workplace. I also tend to interact with our client a lot whilst carrying out support work on the project.

So far I would not say that I have picked up any new skills as I am still new to the company. However, I have definitely developed both my written and verbal communication skills through writing emails every day to presenting on a number of occasions. CGI also offer a huge variety of training courses including Microsoft and Cisco qualifications meaning that there are great opportunities to progress in the future.

Due to CGI's values and goals the workplace is very friendly and ensures that you can build a good network both in and outside of the workplace. I also enjoy the fact that there is a good balance between work and education/learning. As previously stated, I am training to be a developer. This means that CGI allow me to spend one day a week developing whilst also at uni one day a week. This means that I have 2/5 days a week dedicated to education.

Upon joining the company the tasks you are given aren't the most complex. This means that the involvement in the project isn't that great initially. However once my team began to understand my skillset, the work I was provided with changed drastically.

The program is very structured as we have dedicated study days (Day release to University). We are also given a work place mentor to ensure that we have someone to talk to if we are struggling with uni work or even struggling in the workplace.

The support that we receive from the university is great. This has really helped with my progression as we are only at uni one day a week. This means that when I am completing assignments during the week I may have questions. Most lecturers tend to communicate well over email should we need any further guidance of assistance.

There are so many people within CGI that are willing to help you and push you towards your goals and career aspirations. Upon joining the company this was useful as there were many contacts that could help me out if I was struggling with navigating through the systems. I have contacted many people and received great support from all of them including; student recruitment, workplace mentor, second year students, HR, IT help-desk and people within my team.

Our salary is very good considering we are first year apprentices. Personally it covers my cost because I live at home. However there are people on my course that have relocated and can afford to rent a house, lease a car and still have a social life.

Do to our sports and social club program there are many opportunities to network outside of work. SSC allows colleagues to pay £5 a month into a pot and then sign up for activities each month. This can be pretty much anything such as concerts, bowling, meals out, sports tickets (i.e. football).

Yes

My experience of CGI so far has been fantastic and there are so many great career opportunities within the company. Also, the way that the company is structured, if you don't like your job role or project CGI will always try their best to move you into a role that you enjoy.

My main tip to someone that is applying for CGI would be to be social on Interview/Assessment days. Where CGI is a consulting company, they tend to employ people that don't mind talking to a group of people as this is the nature of the business.