PMO Analyst Review

At work I fulfil the role of PMO support in the North, Energy, Utilities and Telecom business unit. I work with an excellent PMO team of over 20 people in a programme exceeding 1000 members. On a daily basis I monitor inboxes, progress access requests, attending meetings, discuss interactions with the client, and organise meeting events. I work on a smart metering programme and have an enjoyable time with my team.

As well as working towards a BSC in Information Technology, aligned to the business-management stream, I am qualified as a Fire Marshal and Mental-health first aider. When my degree is finished in June 2019 I will also be pursuing Prince 2 Project Management training, to be funded by my project. Primarily I have improved my communication skills, learned how to give and receive feedback better, and how to resolve conflict efficiently. I have more experience with financial reporting, a new range of reporting programmes and even programming experience.

During my time at CGI, the degree apprenticeship program has exceeded my expectations. Despite being a male-dominated industry CGI has been inclusive and welcoming. I enjoy my work, am with a fantastic, friendly team, and every day is varied. I really feel like part of a community and am well-integrated into the team despite being considerably younger and less experienced than my colleagues.

My team and management offer me a fantastic support network. Even after being signed off for a short period I came back and was offered further support and friendship. As well as having significant financial incentives to prove my value within CGI, I was elected for an award by CGI for the University of Winchester. In projects I am treated as an equal and do not feel excluded or lesser because I am a student.

The CGI side of programme organisation is fantastic. We have had many changes over the last few months but student recruitment always try and provide us with correct information as soon as possible, and are very hesitant to provide information they cannot guarantee to be correct. The Winchester University experience of organisation could be greatly improved, but I believe that the new head of Department [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] is trying his best to make this happen.

[This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], our new head of year is a fantastic addition to the Winchester team and is making great strides in ensuring the programme is as well-run as it should be. Most of the lecturers respond quickly to marking and feedback. A few lecturers fail to recognise the work and commuting commitment we face and do not offer as much support. [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] and [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyApprenticeship Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] are fantastic. In general I enjoy the learning experience but lack of general communication from lecturers can be frustrating.

I could not ask for a better, more understanding manager and supervisory team. The HR team are committed to ensuring any problems are solved, and are friendly and understanding of any concerns we have. General guidance and feedback is very good, and no student can deny that our success within CGI and at University is a key part of their commitment to us.

Initially, the starter wage was insufficient for my living costs and effort invested. However our first pay-rise after working for CGI for a year was very generous and above market average. CGI does need to consider that the starting wage is largely inefficient for many of us looking to live in Reading, London or Leatherhead where we are based. Further consideration of potential grants towards commuting costs would be appreciated.

CGI's SSC programme offers events and activities available to all, but there are very few student-specific events created. There are many opportunities to volunteer with CGI and get paid for it without taking holiday. More opportunities in the Salisbury area would be appreciated but understandably there are no CGI offices in this area so therefore less interest. I get very little free time to enjoy these experiences when balancing working, university and commuting.

Yes

Degree Apprenticeship schemes are the way forward. I love working in my team and really value what I learn at University. Though the starter pay is low it opens up new doors, no university debt, and the payrises are generous. CGI is an experience I would recommend to anyone interested in working in an IT office environment, even if they are not business or technically aligned.

The group interview stage is casual and should be enjoyed. You are wanted by CGI so don't be scared by it! I would write applications in a word document then transfer into CGI's online tool I would like to have been told that there is no guarantee you will immediately be placed on a work project within CGI. It is highly likely that you will remain 'on the bench'/unassigned for a number of weeks when you join. It leaves you with more time to do uni work but can be a little disheartening. Remember everyone has been there!