Software Engineer Review

by CGI

Best Apprenticeship Employer

Rating

5.5/10

1. Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:

Day-to-day I work as part of an agile team developing bespoke software within the space sector. One day a week I attend university at Winchester, and have a day full of lectures and tutorials.

8/10

2. Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?

In the workplace I have learnt so many new skills surrounding IT and as such significantly improved my technical ability. At university it feels like I have not learnt much at all.

7/10

3. To what extent do you enjoy your programme?

I really enjoy the work side of my programme, however I definitely do not enjoy the university side of it.

6/10

4. How well organised/structured is your programme?

CGI have a great support network in place, however this does not make up for the incompetence which Winchester have in regards to communication and organising anything. The days at uni are very long and much of the time you contemplate the worth of your time in attendance.

4/10

5. How much support do you receive from your employer?

In the workplace you receive a workplace buddy, mentor, and manager - all of which are there to support both with work and university studies. Mentors have regular catch-ups with students and offer guidance where appropriate.

9/10

6. How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?

Feedback is often vague or the same between students, marking is inconsistent, lecturers often only realistically give 75/100 for a top grade. The university also insist of carrying out pointless formative assignments which teach you things you already know when there are much more vital assignments to work on.

1/10

7. How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?

All of the skills which I have learned have been through the workplace, or through learning in my spare time at home. The qualification has not assisted me at all.

1/10

8. Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)

I regularly attend CGI sports and social club events, which can range from top-golf to airsoft and cinema evenings. Outside of work my time is mostly spent working on university assignments, learning new technology related skills, and spending time with those close to me.

8/10

9a. Would you recommend CGI to a friend?

Yes

9b. Why?

You get great exposure within the company and have ample opportunity to learn new skills.

10. What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CGI?

Just be yourself and act normal. Talk to other people and make the interview process fun/enjoyable. CGI just want to see that you are a team player/easy to talk to and that you match what is written on your CV/application form.