PMO Analyst Review

As a PMO Analyst I work in the Project Management Office providing support to those working on the project, including all types of roles from testers and software developers to the project managers. I mainly have account management responsibilities however my team have been very good at expanding my responsibilities.

I have learnt some new skills predominantly IT focused, however the largest improvement has been the development of my soft skills. I am so much more confident in interacting with not only new people but with individuals with a very senior role. My training at the University has also been very beneficial to my presentation skills and has helped provide me with the confidence needed to present in the workplace.

This programme has been absolutely incredible. I spent the last year of college wanting to get into the workplace and start gaining my business knowledge first-hand rather than learning about hypothetical business situations based off of theorists so to be in the office is exactly where I wanted to be in my life.

In terms of organisation from the workplace side, there is nothing to fault - I am provided with a voice for concerns, the time to go to university one day per week and an offer of support from both a workplace mentor and workplace buddy. However at the University itself there have been some deadline related issues which have been slightly unrealistic for students also working a full-time job.

CGI are incredibly supportive. Not only do I have the University support from my mentor and buddy but I also have regular calls with a member of HR to discuss any University updates in case communications need to be made between the company and the University. Additionally, my manager has supported my workplace development through every stage of taking on tasks so far.

My training provider is very supportive whilst I am on site however can sometimes be slow at replying when I am not physically there. However the course itself is mainly run very well and I have thoroughly enjoyed many aspects of it - not least some of the seminar sessions with inventive teaching methods.

Most directly linked would be the presentation skills that I have gained from seminar sessions which have allowed me to be a lot more confident in my delivery. Additionally, I have gained some theory that has allowed me to gain a much better understanding for some project operations for example my project management module had direct links to the workplace.

At CGI there is an incredible sports and social club (SSC). Every week I play football and basketball and would have been attending the CGI European football championships in Portugal however COVID-19 has caused that to be postponed. Other than this I have had meals with SSC, attended Ascot Races, Played Airsoft in an underground bunker, organised to watch local Boxing, gone to a ball pit bar in London, done a Cocktail Making Masterclass and been Go-Karting. All of this within the first six months of CGI.

Yes

CGI have a family working environment where you are seen as a member rather than an employee. In only six months I feel valued as a worker and as a friend to so many people within the organisation. I have been able to develop so many parts of my life with CGI.

When applying, do not be afraid to show off in the written elements - but on assessment centre days show off your skills whilst encouraging others to do the same. With CGI having a family feel to it you will be highlighted for bringing the best out of the people around you and although you may feel in competition on the day, being a team member is what the assessors will be looking for.