Commercial Subcontract Management Review

I work in Commercial Subcontract Management, which involves providing commercial support to subcontracts in our public sector business where suppliers are providing bespoke solutions for us and our clients. On a daily basis this involves commercially reviewing supplier terms and conditons, liaising with suppliers to negotiate deals and process renewals, and monitoring subcontractor performance and CGI's performance to ensure obligations are being met. I get the opportunity to get involved in contracts across the public sector in the UK - this is particularly close to my heart as I have a real interest in the public sector. I even wrote my dissertation on public sector procurement!

Training and qualifications in: A 1st class BA (Hons) degree in Business Management for IT - Foundation Degree in Business Management for IT - distinction - Higher IT apprenticeship - Association of Proposal and Bid Management Professionals - Foundation - Copywriting training. Skills: - Stakeholder management - Copywriting - Project reporting - Process mapping - Presentation skills - Supplier engagement - Client-facing - Organisation - Punctuality.

CGI provided me with such a huge support network to support my career and academic studies. Senior leaders are so supportive of the student programmes, and sat down with me to share insights during the programme to support my academic studies. I was able to apply the theory I was learning on the programme to my working life at CGI. Past the qualifications and career development, the programme was hugely beneficial on a personal level - having been through the programme I am so much more confident because I am now aware of my abilities. I've never looked back.

CGI provides so much opportunity for recognition both in terms of workplace performance and academic performance. I've won recognition awards for both aspects of the programme and senior leaders always call out students for their achievements. In the workplace, we aren't seen as 'students' - we're seen as full time employments capable of getting stuck in to client delivery projects. There's ample opportunity for promotion for students who put the work in - there's no limit to what students are able to achieve on the programme.

From the outset the programme provided structure; we had a structured week long induction to CGI where we covered everything from submitting timesheets, completing university assignments, setting up emails and work telephones, creating LinkedIn profiles and internal CV's. The same level of structure continued throughout the programme; there were regular update calls with the programme manager and the programme nominated workplace representatives and university representatives to canvas feedback and make suggestions for change where appropriate. In the third year, the programme is organised very effectively - students are provided with extra leave in order to complete their dissertation and third year studies which is hugely beneficial and shows just how committed the company is to supporting our success.

The University of Winchester, who delivered my degree apprenticeship, are experts now at delivering the degree apprenticeship programme to CGI. It's tried and tested, and, because they've been involved since Day 1 they are genuinely invested in helping CGI's students to succeed. We get the same level of support as full-time students and when attending university 1 day a week, tutors are more than happy to set aside time to speak to students. When not at university, tutors were always happy to pick up the phone or respond to emails if I had any queries. There's a real pastoral element to the delivery of the academic programme and the university supported us holistically, striving to ensure we enjoyed our studies from start to finish. Overall the support I received from the whole team at the University of Winchester, and the programme management team within CGI, was outstanding.

The level of support received from CGI was outstanding. Students are assigned a 'buddy' upon joining who is already part of the programme, and a work-based study mentor within CGI to support academic achievement. We're also assigned People Managers who support our career development and general support throughout the programme. The Student Recruitment team who manage the programme are also really supportive and make themselves readily available for students. I think, most importantly, professionals at all levels of CGI show willingness and enthusiasm with regards to providing support for university assignments and career development.

CGI provide a structured pay scale for students on the degree apprenticeship programme and reward academic and workplace performance, so the salary / package was excellent in terms of meeting all my needs. Whilst I didn't relocate the salary and package has allowed me to get a new car and save for a house, all whilst having a social life. CGI also cover work expenses which is a great help.

The degree apprenticeship provides an excellent social life and members of the programme regularly arrange events to include students across all years of the programme. CGI also deliver social events for students on the degree programme, particularly to celebrate the end of a year of study, or the entire programme. There are a number of clubs and communities within CGI, including a Sports and Social Club - membership of which provides access to a number of interesting events throughout the year. CGI also actively encourages members to volunteer in their local communities; local events at my base office have included supporting local school students who are learning to read. So, there's always opportunity to volunteer outside of work and make suggestions with regards to potential activities and opportunities.

Yes

It has been a life-changing experience on a personal and professional level. I've spent three years surrounded by intelligent and ambitious professionals which has rubbed off on me and provided me with the confidence to pursue my career goals. Because everyone on the programme goes through the journey together I now have a fantastic network of new friends that I didn't have three years ago. Completing the programme has given me confidence about the future - I'm positive I now have the experience, the qualifications and the confidence to build the career that I want.

- Research CGI. And don't just scratch the surface - look up some of our projects, solutions and clients. Find examples that really interest you and when you meet us, tell us about these. - Be prepared to show you have a genuine interest in technology. - Don't let the fear of travelling for work, or staying over mid-week put you off. I was apprehensive about it but it built my confidence so much and looking back, I'd have kicked myself had I let that get in the way of the opportunities I've had. - During the interviews, what we're really looking for is enthusiasm. So smile, tell us about what excites you.