Degree Apprentice Review

In my role I work closely with large amounts of data, ensuring it is up to date and the clients are satisfied. I also work on side projects (such as automation tools) to speed up processes and add value. I have daily team meetings and a weekly meeting with one of our client's.

My customer facing skills have improved drastically since joining. My exposure to the client has allowed me to find my professional tone. I have also developed my programming ability and have been given opportunities to enrol on training courses. I have also become much more ambitious since joining the company, there are many inspirational leaders who have made a lot out of their careers to look up to. My professional development skills have also improved, but you do have to network and seek out opportunities yourself.

Enjoyable and exciting knowing you are laying the foundations for your future career. You could take nearly any direction from this point, and this will shape a large part of your future life. Also very motivating knowing you have a head-start in the corporate world over the typical university graduates.

In terms of how the program is structured, it's pretty good. CGI mainly just leave you to get on with it and that can work well (although there are contacts for if questions need answering). Uni is good, it's a long day but I very much like it's modular set-out. However, CGI could do with giving their very junior members help with moving projects. Currently it is very hard to move projects as someone with little experience and a not yet built network, a lot of the internally advertised jobs are for higher levels. You can find yourself stuck on one project with no idea how you'll get off it, building skills in an area you don't want to be building skills in. This said, it can be done, you just have work hard at networking. (This is only speaking from experience in my business unit, I can't speak for others). I know of other companies that rotate their apprentices through different roles every 6 months, which might be an advantage as you gain a wider skillset.

I have a mentor that is very good at supporting me and I know that if I was struggling, my team would be extremely supportive. CGI will be there for you if you need it.

I know others have their issues with the University, but for me it's been fine. Whilst some of the lectures content feels like just common sense or something I could watch a short video on, on the whole it is useful. Some lecturers are more supportive than others, but support will be given if you are proactive and ask.

I wouldn't necessarily say the degree helps me perform better in my role, but it is mentally stimulating. This allows me to be more 'on the ball' at work and some of the modules are genuinely interesting.

Loads going on at CGI sports and social club. Football, meals etc. I get on well with the others on my scheme as well, they're a good bunch.

Yes

Great company to start your career with. Some really good opportunities IF you are motivated to pursue them and not just sit in one place and see where it all takes you. The benefits of a Degree Apprenticeship as well are also huge, it's a smart move to follow this path if you want to work in business/tech.

Actually work out on the assessment day whether you'd want to work here or not (speak to current apprentices, look around, etc.). These are 3 years of your life you won't get back, so make sure you want to do this. Also dream big and be ambitious, don't be afraid to push the boat out if they ask you where you see yourself in 10 years. Also, be confident on the assessment day that CGI need you, not vice versa. If I made it in then so can you. Good luck!