Project Manager Review

My day-to-day role involves me performing the role of a Project Manager. This requires me to perform end-to-end project delivery; from requirements capture, bid formation, finacial and work package planning, project delivery and project closure. Depending on the maturity of the project in alignment with this process depends on what I do "day-to-day" which I find exciting. My role involves me having to liase with a number of stakeholders: internal CGI colleagues, third parties and the client. I spend a lot of my day emailing and calling people to organise and assign resources, get updates on how things are going and a fair amount of adimin work.

I have been able to learn: - Project Management skills - Client engagement skills - Presenting skills - Organisation skills both personally and with regards to project organisation - Sales skills as I have to get people bought into the plan and build a rapport with members from multiple parties

I would be lying if I didnt admit that working a "full time job" (4 days a week) and studying a "full time degree" (one day a week) whilst also managing my work life balance, wasnt tough...it is. However, this job has massively developed and increased my work ethic, my approach to life, my motivation to be succeed and also my professional self. I have greatly enjoyed my programme and would not think twice about recommending it to someone that is willing to give 110%!

CGI has 68,000 employees in the world...when a company is that big it is difficult to feel valued on a very personal level, this would be easier to achieve at a smaller company. However, I have been able to develop a fantastic relationship with my line manager and those who I directly work with so in a Project Team sense I feel very well valued.

Over the three years that I was on the programme the organisation and structure was improved. The degree streams have now been properly agreed and formulised so I see smooth sailing ahead. These have been occassions where we (the students) have been without the correct text books but both the CGI SDP Management and the University Management were quick to resolve this.

I have received ample support from my training provider: University of Winchester. All the university lecturers were always happy to meet with me to discuss any problems/queries I had regarding the assignments I was set and to discuss my feedback post marking. Additionally, we had a designated CGI SPD Lead from the university who we directed questions at regarding room booking, lecture scheduling etc. Generally they were quick to respond and were flexible to meet the 'special' needs of the CGI SDP students.

The support from CGI has been on the most part very good. When we joined the company wewere assigned buddies who helped us settle in. We received work place mentors who I am still in contact with. The Lead of the SDP from CGI's end, on the most part, is available and contactable. The only issue I have had is in receiving my university books intime for the start of term.

Over the last year my salary/package has been provide me with enough money. I have been able to save a lot whilst also enjoying a great lifestyle; going travelling to nice places and treating myself to nice things. Additionally, CGI's benefit packages are brilliant! I have been able to start my pension and also enter the Share Purchase Plan which is great. The only thing that I could critise CGI for is not standardising the pay rises year on year as this create friction and tension between years when it came to the salary review period. However, this has not been resolved and the new salaries for each year are fantastic!

Yes - CGI it massively into charity work; supporting a number of fantastic causes and offering a number of events which members are encouraged to take part in. Last year I took part in something called the "UK Challenge" which involved me going to Snowdonia for three days of activities which was all funded by CGI.

Yes

It is a perfect place to kick off your career! You can pursue what ever role you choose and it is down to you to make it work! Whilst the last three years have been very tough I have very thoroughly enjoyed it!

You need to be highly self motivated and willing to sometimes work extremely long hours to get the job done (12-17 hours a day...although not every day!).