Software Engineer Review

I have worked on various projects requiring the use of a number of different programming languages. I have used XSL, XML, Python, Java, HTML, MySQL, JavaScript, CSS and some others in these projects. I have used them to create Spring MVC based web projects and convert XML files into PDF through XSL among other things.

I have developed existing skills in web based development. Previously I had focused on Java as a language to build desktop applications rather than web components. I also learnt new skills in terms of XSL which I had not touched before in my work at home or university or in the office.

I have enjoyed aspects of it. However, the University of Winchester based component to the programme is where it falls down. The course is organised absolutely terribly, there is little communication, no consistency, and a number of staff have been unresponsive to questions and have failed to teach the classes anything at all, failing miserably with both content itself and the quality of teaching.

Very poorly organised. As previously mentioned, the University of Winchester seems to be incapable of organising anything more than the most simple of schedules. Passed that, the teachers (not all) are disorganised, bad at teaching, unresponsive to enquiries from students. The parts that CGI are responsible for however are much more well organised.

My employee is very good at supporting myself through this programme. Allowing me the time off that I need to carry out the necessary work, both for attending lectures, as well as additional leave to complete the dissertation. There is support available when time's become difficult, and most everyone is understanding of the responsibilities needed of me.

Very little. Every bit of support that is needed from the University of Winchester has to be extracted like blood from stone. Multiple emails, delays and eventual action on there part is the way things normally go. But this is for things that you would expect to receive without even asking. Like clear understanding of what we are even required to do for the qualification.

Not at all. I have not applied any lessons from my training provider in my role. I have learnt many things on the job and that has been of value to me. But the qualification that the training provider is responsible for is simply a number of hoops to jump through and provides no value to my work or job role.

These events are available to me but is something that I cannot participate in as I work full time and study part time, and so have no time to pursue my own hobbies let alone participate in extra-curricular activities. I have to spend any free time trying to relax and wind down.

Yes

CGI are a very supportive employee, they provide help, support channels. On top of this, they appear to employ well; most everyone I have interacted with has been a respectful, friendly individual that makes the working environment a much nicer place to be in. While the corporate aspects of the company can make it seem difficult to be heard, there are all in all good employers.

Do not expect to be coddled, within CGI, your career is in your own hands. There is support available for this, but it is something that you have to ask for and do not just receive automatically. You must be self motivated and good at managing yourself. The on boarding process is very helpful, but following this you are thrown in the deep end and are left in charge of yourself.