Industry: Degree Apprenticeships

“I applied for many apprenticeships, and attended 9 assessment centres but found that CGI were the best fit for me.”

 

Did you relocate, if so how did you find it?

I am based in the Reading office, but I have relocated from King’s Lynn, Norfolk. I found relocating quite difficult at first due to being so far away from my family, however I found it easier due to CGI recruiting a large number of graduates and apprentices at the same time, so there were lots of people in the same situation as me.

When looking for somewhere to live, CGI were helpful as they added all new-joiners to a Facebook group, this enabled us to speak to people in the same situation with starting a new job/moving away from home. This also allowed us to plan a meal to meet other new joiners before our first day. CGI also offered £1000 in relocation expenses, which including the first month’s rent which many companies do not offer.

Your current role at CGI: role name and overview. What does this job entail (eg. what do you typically do day-to-day)?

My current role is Junior Test Analyst and I work on the Device Readiness Team which is part of the Smart Metering Program within the UK, North & Australia Business Unit. My typical day-to-day work is preparing devices to be tested on. This involves liaising with both clients and the test lab. My work is dependent on other teams in the office, so I often have to work alongside them for both preparation of devices and any problems encountered.

What do you enjoy about working for CGI?

The thing I enjoy the most about working for CGI are the benefits offered to members. CGI offer great schemes for both pensions and buying shares. Everyone I have met in the office so far have been friendly and welcoming. They also treat you the same as any other member, despite being younger and less experienced, this has allowed me to be given responsibilities within my role. CGI also arrange a variety of social events through the SSC – these events range from weekly football to work nights out. We are also offered the opportunity to volunteer for open evenings and events where we are able to share our experiences with the recruitment process whilst networking.

What is your top tip for someone considering the CGI and the apprenticeship?

I applied for many different apprenticeships, but I found CGI suited me the best. I would always advise people to look around for the company that feels right for them, especially if they are moving 150 miles away from home. I asked many questions during the process, which put both me and my family at ease.

I think it’s really important to ensure you are happy before making any decisions on moving away from home. I applied for many apprenticeships, and attended 9 assessment centres but found that CGI were the best fit for me.

When you are applying, make sure you put your answers to the questions in a word document as often the website times out! If you are invited to an assessment centre, make sure you know about CGI – as this will definitely be asked. It is also important that you realise how much work will be involved with working whilst studying, so it is less of a shock to you when it comes to deadlines being set.

Why you chose an apprenticeship over university?

I chose an apprenticeship over university as I did not want to attend university full-time, but I knew that I would need a degree to enable me to get the role I wanted. By choosing this route, it has allowed me to avoid student loans, whilst gaining experience in a role (and earning a salary!) I have also found that I have more support around me than some of my friends that are at university full-time.

As there are a large group of apprentices at CGI, it is easy to find someone if you are stuck with assignments. CGI also offer all apprentices a mentor who you are able to meet with weekly to discuss both university and work related issues.

How an apprenticeship has benefitted you?

I have found the part I enjoy about the apprenticeship the most to be working in the CGI office, this has enabled me to network with people on a daily-basis and gain experience within a professional environment. It has also helped me develop my professional skills which vary from speaking to different teams within the office to sending emails to clients.

This apprenticeship has helped me to balance my time between work and studying. As I am completing a full-time degree alongside working full-time, I always worried about fitting everything in. However, I have found that by adjusting my schedule I am able to fit in working and studying alongside having a social life. I would definitely recommend to prioritise tasks that are set by the University, but still ensure you have enough time to relax and spend time with your friends and family.

Gaining a debt-free, BA (Hons) degree while simultaneously gaining valuable work experience with us was, in her own words, “invaluable”.

You work in a male-dominated industry sector – how has CGI ensured you feel welcome in the working environment?

I have always felt supported at CGI. I joined in 2014 on the sponsored degree apprenticeship. Initially, I was worried that I’d miss out on the social side

of university or that the network of people with similar interests to me would be limited. I needn’t have worried! There’s plenty going on at CGI. For example, the sports and social club, which organises fun activities where you can meet like-minded people, and the ‘working together’ initiatives in the offices. Recently, CGI has also offered self-defence classes for women, which I think is great, as it provides the opportunity to learn a new skill. The culture at CGI is very friendly and welcoming and it definitely feels like a balanced work environment!

How have you been inspired to progress you career at CGI, or have you inspired others?

I definitely feel I’ve been able to shape my career at CGI. When I first joined in 2014, I didn’t have any specific industry experience, but I had a passion to learn. I have been able to work on projects at CGI which suited my skill set, and had lots of support around me to help develop and progress my career.

Five years after joining as an apprentice, I now manage our UK school leaver recruitment, which I love! There are lots of other initiatives at CGI, which aim to inspire the next generation. We run STEM camps with schools across the country, to help demonstrate where a career in technology can lead, and share stories of members who have taken different career paths within the company.

What tools or techniques has CGI helped you acquire to develop your skills and career?

CGI sponsored my degree, enabling me to get a debt-free, BA (Hons) degree while gaining valuable work experience at the company. For me, this was invaluable to kick-start my career. Since completing my studies, I have taken part in other training courses and development opportunities, which have also been really beneficial to my career, including:

• 24/7 access to e-learning courses
• Informal shadowing opportunities, which provides insight into various roles within the organisation.
• CGI definitely values learning and development, making sure that opportunities are available for all.

What’s the one thing you would like women considering applying to CGI to know?

CGI is passionate about equal opportunities. The Share Purchase Plan, which is offered as a benefit, is a great way to feel like you own a part of the company and feel a sense of ownership over what you’re doing. Along with this, we are all called members at CGI rather than employees, which fosters a culture of belonging within the company. You feel welcomed and equal at CGI, which is all you can ask for!

“Feeling equal is all I can ask of an employer and that is exactly what I get at CGI!”

You work in a male-dominated industry sector – how has CGI ensured you feel welcome in the working environment?

CGI has ensured that I feel welcome in the working environment by not only providing me fantastic opportunities to get involved with training and development to support my career aspirations, but also by getting involved with internal and external networks.

I have attended a number of external events which support women in the workplace, as well as CGI’s own internal network events. These have provided me with the opportunity to meet other women in the same industry, as well as learn from them and hear about the great work going on.

I have also been lucky to have a 1-2-1 with my HRVP about my career prospects and progression opportunities, which has provided me with confidence about the future at CGI. It was great that I could get this time.

How have you been inspired to progress you career at CGI, or have you inspired others?

I feel I have been very fortunate to have mentors and a coach to support me in making career decisions while at CGI.

The CGI members that have supported me have been incredibly inspirational and I have very much enjoyed hearing about their journey and the ways they have progressed their career.

Not only do I feel hugely supported by other women at CGI, but I also know that there are a number of resources available to progress my career and people I can talk to for advice.

• I was lucky enough to organise the CGI events across the country for International Women’s Day in 2019. I was so inspired by the number of men and women that got involved and supported it. It really was a team effort, and that is why it was a success.
• In my day-to-day role, I work with lots of schools and universities in order to inspire students to not only see a future in IT, but to inform them of the support networks available.
• Seeing female senior leaders at CGI is incredibly inspiring as I see it as something I can aim for.

What tools or techniques has CGI helped you acquire to develop your skills and career?

CGI supported me through my L7 CIPD course, which has been extremely valuable to me, and provided me with knowledge that I build into my work.

While there is a wealth of great e-learning courses available to all members at CGI, I felt very fortunate that I was able to progress with a formal qualification too.

I have also been part of the SKI initiative within SDI, to act as a mentor to the new joiners and offer support with their project ideas.

What’s the one thing you would like women considering applying to CGI to know?

Being a member at CGI for nearly eight years, I can honestly say I have always felt equal and been given all the opportunities I could have wanted. Feeling equal is all I can ask of an employer and that is exactly what I get at CGI!

“It is really important to showcase your enthusiasm when applying to CGI but the most important thing is to be yourself!”

Base Location
Leatherhead (but I work on client site)

Did you relocate, if so how did you find it?
No

Your current role at CGI: role name and overview. What does this job entail (eg. what do you typically do day-to- day).
I currently work as a programme support officer for a client organisation. I provide support and assistance to the client programme and its projects, acting as a source of programme/project information and metrics. My job involves interacting with a number of project managers on a day to day basis, recording and tracking project progress, risks, finances, resourcing etc.

Your previous roles at CGI
I have previously been a project support officer on the same client programme and a bid consultant for a space project.

What you enjoy most about working for CGI (eg. culture, benefits, SSC, variety of work, networking, work available etc).
The company culture is amazing, there are so many opportunities to meet new people both socially and professionally – you feel part of a family.

Your top tip for someone considering the CGI and the apprenticeship
It is really important to showcase your enthusiasm when applying to CGI but the most important thing is to be yourself!

Why you chose an apprenticeship over university?
I didn’t want to stay away from home and end up in a lot of debt going to university. I think it is so much better to learn and earn at the same time because you are learning the theoretical aspects of your course at university but also gaining valuable work experience which makes you so much more desirable than the average university graduate!

How an apprenticeship has benefitted you?
I have been able to start my career earlier than most people who just go to university and I have been able to experience a number of roles which has allowed me to understand what area I enjoy most and want to progress in. It has also enabled me to gain a more rounded experience both academically and professionally, I feel like I have the best of both worlds as I study, work and definitely haven’t missed out on any of the social aspects.