Consultant Review

I'm currently doing systems integration testing. Our client is migrating from the Windows 7 environment to Windows 10 and wanting to enable their employees to work from home so we are given applications that they would use to request for deployment to one of our test devices, test the application, and report any issues with it. We also rebuild the machines regularly and liase with other departments to enable them to remotely access the device to do their own testing.

I've learnt how to communicate effectively across different teams and, as this is my first IT job, how the business works and why. Furthermore, we are given training we can do in our downtime so I've been learning a new system for development which is increasing in popularity with potential new clients while learning about new programming languages, DevOps, application architecture, and research methods at university.

I enjoy my program. I think it would be better if I were able to attend university in person but I still feel like I am getting a lot out of my experience. In work, everyone is really friendly and always eager to help which makes project work much more enjoyable.

I have one day a week which is dedicated to university classes and/or study so I am able to get a lot a done based on this. The program is also well structured with having two classes a trimester over the whole year rather than 3 classes a trimester over 6 months. This makes it easier for me to balance my own time with work and study.

I feel a receive enough support to do well. I am not expected to engage in any project work on my university day which takes pressure off me. Furthermore, I am allowed to take 6 weeks dissertation leave in my 4th year so that I can focus fully on my honours project. I also have time to do university work in the quiet periods of my project as well.

My lecturers always seem eager to answer any questions we may have and there is additional support for people who may not have report writing experience or maths. They have been lenient in granting extensions as well to our classes, particularly from a Friday night to a Sunday night instead so that we have the weekend to do work when our projects may be busy.

I am able to look at a problem and suggest what may be causing the issue. With programming, I am finding it easier to look at a block of code and know what it is doing faster since we are being taught different paradigms. Furthermore, I can now create pipelines which may help in future projects and program using a mix of paradigms easily.

We have a social club that you contribute £5 a month towards but, due to the pandemic, this has been put on hold for now. This would includes trips to restaurants or going to see plays, etc... My team also host a games night every so often so we can spend time together outside of work.

Yes

I have found CGI to be a great place to work. Everyone is always wanting to help somehow and we are always being made aware of new opportunities for development. We also have to set objectives for ourselves to help us to grow and improve. There is also a site full of training information that we can use to learn about new areas, or brush up on existing knowledge. There is a great benefits scheme as well, one of which is the option to buy shares with CGI matching up to 3% of your contribution.

Be yourself and be honest. Prepare what you want CGI to know about you for your interview prior to going to it and remember that the interview is a two way process - CGI is seeing if you're a right fit for them and you're seeing if CGI is the right fit for you.