IT consultant Review

Key Responsibilities as a bid support consultant (IT consultant): • Researching and Collating materials o Searching internal and external data sources for collateral and other bid material o Populating sections of proposals using company standard information and other approved data o Collating data from various sources/contributors and provides consistency checking o Chasing bid deliverables based on a defined project plan • Reusable contents and SharePoint maintenance o Identifying materials that are suitable for the re-usable collateral stocks and working with the collateral knowledgebase owner to genericize content for re-use • Bid Support o Providing logistical and other support for the bid team. o Providing meeting support through the administration of meetings, workshops etc and chases of actions.

Whilst working at CGI I have learnt many professional skills both job based and also soft skill based. I have noticed a big change in my communication skills as I have to liaise with members of CGI all over the globe. I have also had a chance to develop my leadership skills within my current team.

The work part of the programme is enjoyable and I have been given opportunities to develop my professional career. However the degree/learning part of the course has significant room for improvement as communication between the university and employer isn't the best. Therefore on a university perspective there is a lack of support.

The week is well structured in terms of apprentices know where they need to be and when. However, as mentioned previously the employer does not have very good communication with the university meaning that when students raise things through the university, problems don't get resolved. Therefore the programme feels unstructured. The employer has been given an opportunity to resolve this issue previously.

From a work perspective, management is very supportive and listens to what apprentices what to make out of their career during the course. I have recently been given to opportunity to progress within my role within the workplace and take on greater responsibility. However, support with learning and university matters is very limited.

Some support has been given, however it is always support that is unmanageable due to our position working full time e.g having skype calls with lecturer during the week during office hours. This may be possible for full time students, but degree apprentices have to work 9-5:30 during the week so don't get the chance to access this further support. Support in terms of university concerns and issues is very low. Many issues have been raised with the teaching quality of the lecturers and the structure of the day however the training provider has not taken these comments on board.

I believe some modules relate to the workplace however there is a lot more technical content than business management which doesn't relate as I am in a business based role. However, I do acknowledge that in the future I may use these technical skills developed to progress within the company.

CGI has a great SSC (sports and social club) scheme, which allows members to create events at lower costs for CGI members. Whatever event is organised, the company give each member with a £30 subsidy when they pay £5 a month to SSC. Some offices offer free sports events such as badminton and basketball sessions during lunch breaks to give members time away from their desk.

Yes

I would recommend the company overall as staff enthusiastic and welcoming. CGI offer great internal positions for when you are in the company, giving people the opportunity to develop their career down whatever pathway is best for them. A clear career framework also allows members to self identify when they are working to a higher level, giving them the change to talk to management about promotions.

When applying to CGI make sure that you have researched the company and you know it is the right fit for what you want to be doing. The interview/assessment center process can be quite tough so it is important to be yourself and portray what you want to get out of a job with CGI. It is also important to have good social skills as CGI strongly encourage networking within the company.