Project Manager Review

Project Manager with CGI: - Active management of business change projects delivered to a key local government client in Scotland, specifically relating to technology / IT - Liaising with the client on both projects in delivery and new business opportunities - Managing project teams ranging in size from 5 to 15 people - Full responsibility for project budgets and profit/loss.

I have learnt a huge range of new skills and gained significant experience since joining CGI over two years ago in the following areas: - Project Management - Financial Management - Risk Management - Business Change Management - Management of Information Technology projects; specifically system implementations/integrations, data migration, major/business critical system upgrades - People Management - Stakeholder Management - Local government operations - IT Outsourcing

I enjoyed my apprenticeship programme mainly due to the vital experience I gained throughout. Starting my programme as part of a major multi-million pound project really "threw me in the deep-end" which I felt was what I needed, and this prepared me to move on after a year to manage my own projects, while gaining qualification as a project manager. While I felt some of my peers who joined the programme with me were different from me in their motivation and attitude towards the programme, I very much saw this as valuable experience.

The programme was well structured, with a good ratio between off-site training days/weeks compared with on-going course work. A large benefit was also the two qualifications that are gained as part of the programme, which were very relevant to the career area. While others have complained at the lack of structure of the programme within CGI (such as mandatory rotation etc.), I would disagree as I feel that the programme is structured in line with the nature of the business; a consultancy.

I have always felt I had enough support throughout my apprenticeship and career at CGI. While for some time the support has not been "formal", my colleagues around me are always supportive in work-aspects while we have functions open to supporting with apprenticeship related aspects. It has been easy enough to reach out to my employer for support throughout.

Where I have needed support on the programme in general, my assessor from QA has always been available to assist. I felt that in particular, my assessor for the Project Management qualification as part of the programme was very easy-to-approach, and relatable too. This gave me confidence that I could succeed in my programme.

My first qualification was in Digital Applications Support at SCQF Level 6. I feel this has helped me to perform better in my role as I have an improved understanding of more technical aspects of Information Technology, the sector which I work in. My second qualification in Project Management (APM) has helped me to perform better as this is my role at CGI now, and it is a requirement to be qualified. It has been easy to relate this to my job and has helped me perform to a high standard thus far.

There are a number of extra-curricular activities to get involved in both formally and informally in CGI. I have been involved in football with CGI, both in competitions set up by CGI across Europe and also locally against other companies in Scotland. I have also attended a number of social events organised by my business area both small and large scale.

Yes

I would recommend to a friend with both high motivation and a drive to succeed, as this is the type of personality that would thrive here. As it is a consultancy, there is a lot of need for independence in your role, so someone who is keen to better their career would benefit from this a lot.

If you're happy you can motivate yourself and push to better your own career, while showing levels of independence; CGI is a great place to start. I feel that with the double-qualification you receive as part of the programme too, it instantly becomes a lot more valuable to complete this compared with many other, more orthodox apprenticeships available.