PMO Analyst Review

Within my job as a PMO analyst I am actually covering two roles simultaneously. On Tuesdays i work with the finance team to help invoice clients and to check to see if we are meeting monthly and weekly revenue targets. The other days of the week (not including my university day on Thursdays) I am lucky enough to be able to be working on a completely different programme, running reports and ensuring that projects are being delivered smoothly, which helps me gain knowledge of a completely different side of the business.

I have learned and developed new skills during my time at CGI. I am now proficient with use of Excel, including using macros in Visual Basic. I have also furthered my PowerPoint and Word skills. I am now more confident in my communication skills and presentation skills, and I am more confident to try taking on new tasks.

I am currently really enjoying my programme. I am enjoying the work I do as a PMO analyst, and i am finding the new tasks and challenges very interesting. I am a bit disappointed with my weekly day at university as i feel it is not tailored to my work, and I feel like I should be getting more out of it.

My programme is structured well at work, however my university programme does not feel that greatly structured. The two don't seem to tie in with each other very much, with only 1 university module so far being of any use at work. I feel like greater communication between the university and my work is required,

I receive great support from my employer. I have been given both a career mentor and a day to day mentor with whom i can talk, as well as all my managers supporting my growth and ambition to try out new roles/tasks. My managers always look to push me where possible, and have allowed me to take on more responsibility.

I receive an adequate amount of support from my university. The university website has very helpful instructions, however I often feel like the lecturers could do better with providing clearer instructions. I often feel as if it is harder to ask for help from the university rather than my work.

I currently do not feel as if the learning that i am doing through university is tying in with my work very well. The skills that I use at work have been developed through my time working, rather than using any skills I have gained at university. I often feel as if my day at university would be better spent at work developing my skills.

My work provides plenty of extra-curricular activities to get involved in. We have a sports and social club which has frequent gatherings outside of work, and there are also plenty of professional networking events which allow me to meet new people within the company. I feel like this is something that the company certainly exceeds in, as they especially seem to care for member satisfaction.

Yes

I feel this method of learning has been more beneficial to me than university alone. Whilst I don't feel like the two tie in, being able to work has provided me with more experience than university alone could ever have done. This is a great method of learning and has helped me gain a great understanding of the world of work.

I would advise anyone with an interest in IT to apply to CGI, as the company itself is great, and there is plenty of room for growth and development. Even those who are unsure of what role they would wish to play, if they outline their key strengths within IT, CGI are more than likely to find them a role that suits them best. I would advise that when going for the apprenticeship programme, people are sure that they are willing to put in the extra time and effort of having a full time job, and also having to work hard at university.