Junior Project Manager Review

I currently work for a customer of CGI, where my main role has been to help reduce the time simple tasks take and make their business more efficient. Most of the work being done on Excel, so by using VBA code and formulas I am trying to make their processes better. Also, I help reduce their workload by having access to my teams mailbox where I send out work, answer questions and communicate to CGI on behalf of the customer.

I have learnt many new skills, such as Excel skills (both intermediate and now Advanced), How to communicate and use outlook effectively, now know how to use Microsoft Visio, learnt new ways to analyse data and also gained wider technological knowledge. I have also been given opportunities to improve my presentation skills, management skills, time keeping and how to work in different environments.

I really enjoy the programme that I am on, althought I think the University choice could be better and be more local to the offices. But the actual programme CGI provide and the development they offer me personally and professionally is second to none. Allowing me to obtain many different skills and experience so early on in my career gives me a boost later on down the line. I can't fault working for CGI.

I think the programme is extremely organised, as there is a lot of support provided through mentors, learning buddies and managers, which gives me many options when needed to query something. I think the programme is well structured as all the tools we need are there but also we can get more if they are suitable, which I think gives us the opportunity to develop as far as we can. However, I still think the university could be more organised but what I have seen I feel like it's not CGI's issue.

I think the support I receive from CGI is second to none. Giving me all the tools and training suitable for my development, but also I am always given the opportunity to try news things and build up a strong CV. Also, there are many paths I can take if I am concerned with something and also feel comfortable raising issues with my managers, knowing they will always try their best to resolve them.

I think the support from Winchester could be improved, however I understand that universities have many students in them so it is hard to support everyone effectively. However, when raising issues some lectures seem to ignore or take too long to reply, which I think is poor. Although, this isn't all lectures and some are great and really aid my learning, with also good resources being available to us.

I think a lot of the work I do and new skills I have learnt have been from CGI and on the job training. However, as I am only a first year a lot of the information I have learnt from the university is quite basic and mainly refreshing A level work. However, understanding different theories in my project management module helped me to gain better understanding of different work practices used.

There are endless extra-curricular activities at CGI, which is a great platform for new starters to expand their network. With each office having their own sports and social club means there are consistently new trips/activities being planned, which I have been too and really enjoyed. Also, the summer activities planned are quality, for example the CGI Football Euros, which is meant to be in Benfica this year.

Yes

Because the experience and skills gained and offered at CGI are outstanding and I think really boost young peoples careers in the right direction. Also, with it being an ICT firm they are going to be relevant for many years to come so I think the skills and knowledge that I do learn are always going to be beneficial to my professional career.

I would make sure that they understand what they are getting into, as many of their friends will be living a regular 'university' life, we do not, as we work 4 days a week and university for many hours 1 day a week. So I think they will need to be prepared for that and understand that they should go into the role with a mindset that what their doing is leap frogging all regular university students by gaining a degree and 3 years of really quality experience.