*Currently changing role* Review

I am on a project called Galileo, where I work on cryptographic key generation. This involves completing documentation, code validation and software maintenance, although I have also spent time working in PMO as an asset management coordinator.

I have learned several tangible new skills, such as programming (Java) and am getting started on other scripting languages. I have also completed lots of company e-learning, which is required by the company.

I am enjoying the program, but there are several things which can undermine it for me, the disorganized and vague uni course being one of them. The company itself is fantastic to work for and has a friendly, if quite unapproachably complicated set of standards and frameworks. I am starting to find my feet socially, having relocated for the program, and this has helped me to no end in dealing with the workload and stress.

CGI seems to value us very highly, I am looked after by my project and feel that our achievements are recognized. My manager has too many other people to manage to be able to communicate regularly as it might be good to.

In terms of the work side of my programme, I feel that it has been very well organised indeed. Our program manager was severely overworked and drowned in e-mails when we joined however, so some questions did go unanswered, but on the whole, on the work side it has been very smooth. The university side is much less so, with vague, changing deadlines, unclear assignments which we have to fight to understand, and some baffling modules which I don't feel are of any benefit to my professional career.

As said above, support from university is incoherent at best. Some module tutors have been very good, but others have been more confusing and dry in their subjects. Overall, it's quite a mixed bag, but there is a lot of room for improvement - most specifically in clarifying exactly what needs to be delivered when, for the assignments.

My employer is very supportive, I was assigned a buddy, mentor, people manager and line manager upon joining, and they have provided me with all the support I could have possibly needed. The HR team here are nothing short of exceptional in my experience, quickly resolving every work related problem I have faced.

My project and company have been exceptional in meeting my costs with my package, putting me up in a hotel to prevent my commute (Which was upwards of 5 hours a day on occasion) from getting in the way, as well as a generous meal allowance. The salary is also everything someone at my stage could ask for, and I don't feel short changed by any means.

Because I relocated and left my friends behind, I was glad that there are indeed a lot of opportunities outside of work. CGI has masses of different clubs and societies and social groups which meet regularly, as well as a sports and social club which puts on many regular events.

Yes

It's a superb company to work for overall, while I find the complicated frameworks and 'CGI values' etc to be nothing short of baffling and out of touch, the company looks after their employees and does its best to provide a fair package to us. The university side is in significant need of work in terms of clarity and support, but it is still managable.

Try to make sure that what you want is what CGI is providing, that will help you match CGI's profile in your application. And come into it with the expectation of a lot of work - degree and full time jobs require it, and that DOES impact your social life.