Consultant Review

My role is based around defect management. Essentially, when there is an issue in a system, I have to work out where the issue is and refer it to the appropriate team. I also have various daily calls to attend to keep all of the testers up to date. My hours range from 8am-5:30pm most days.

My personal skills have developed massively. The Professional Practice module I partake in at Aston University has contributed to this. My communication and organisation skills have seen the most improvement. I have seen a huge difference in the way I handle phone calls and emails. I have found that my confidence has increased since I have been at CGI.

Positives: - The team at CGI made me feel right at home from the start of my program. Though I am an apprentice, I am treated like a full-time employee, which has aided my personal development - CGI has given me the opportunity to work on large, national projects. This experience is invaluable as an apprentice. Negatives - The balance between work and study is difficult to maintain. In my experience, however, the managers at CGI are very understanding and will assist you as much as possible.

In terms of University, the programme does not seem very organised. I often find my questions unanswered even after consulting my Tutors. CGI have been the opposite in this regard, I have been placed in a role which has allowed me to develop and progress with guidance from my managers. I have been able to create my own career path with the assistance of my managers.

CGI is very supportive in all aspects. In my role, my managers constantly support me. They take all of my suggestions and comments on board and are open to questions at any time. Where they can see I am struggling, they assist me in any way they can. For example, if I have University work that I am struggling to keep on top of, they allow me time to catch up.

My training provider does not provide much support overall. In the evenings, there are one-hour live tutorial sessions that take place. This allows us the opportunity to ask questions to the module tutor. This is a degree level qualification, so it is largely independent. You must make it known that you require support.

My apprenticeship does assist me with my role on a day to day basis. For example, I regularly use MySQL. Prior to joining CGI, I had no experience with this language. Learning the basics at University has meant that I was able to get involved from day one on the project. This has now allowed me to expand my knowledge further beyond the scope of the university specification.

Each CGI office has a Sports and Social club. They run events, for example, mini golf at a free/subsidised cost. These events are open to all members of the club and allowed us the opportunity to socialise outside of work. CGI also takes part in various physical events. For example, there are cross country bike rides in which we can compete in as a team.

Yes

The culture at CGI is a tier above the other companies I have previously worked for. The recruitment process is very in-depth - and it is clearly visible around the office. The atmosphere that the CGI managers have created makes working at CGI both enjoyable and rewarding. I would definitely recommend CGI.

- Read up on CGI values - Have an idea of the type of role you have an interest in - Do some background reading about the projects that CGI is currently undertaking - Be yourself - Don't be afraid to ask questions - no matter how simple they may be. - Don't be afraid to make suggestions to your manager if you think something is not quite right.