2nd Line Support Specialist Review

In my day to day role I operate as a second line support specialist in which I provide technical support to the IT system we provide for one of our clients. I operate in this role for four days a week, spending one day a week at the University of Winchester studying

I completed an apprenticeship with CGI also studying computing and programming mainly using Java before joining the Sponsored Degree Programme. Since joining the programme I have developed these java skills further in some modules along with learning lots of new skills in other modules that have all been relevant to the workplace. Whilst also in my daily role I have developed my SQL skills and learnt to use the bespoke systems and maintain the ones we provide for our clients

Working alongside completing the programme has allowed me to meet and interact with lots of new people who I would not necessarily have met previously. It offers me the opportunity to learn alongside developing everyday skills needed in my working life and gaining valuable work experience alongside studying for the degree programme

I feel incredibly valued by CGI, providing a competitive salary whilst offering the sponsored degree programme allowing me to gain valuable work experience alongside my study. Regular reviews and member satisfaction meetings allow me to express the strengths and weaknesses of the company with my manager and allow me to put my point across when needed. Regular social events are also arranged which encourage interaction between members which I enjoy

The degree programme is well structured allowing us plenty of time on site at the University of Winchester to allow contact and study with our tutors to give us the greatest opportunity to achieve the best grades possible. We are given sufficient time to complete and submit our assignments; again giving us the best opportunity to achieve good results

An excellent amount of support is received from the University of Winchester; our tutors are easily contactable and are always happy to offer advice and help as and when we require it from them. We receive sufficient classroom time to ensure we learn and gain all the knowledge we require to complete our assignments

The student recruitment team offer sufficient support and are always contactable to help us with any queries or issues we may have. Student reps are setup for each year group as a way of passing information both to University and the student recruitment team as and when required. Each student is also assigned a work based mentor who are there to offer advice and help when needed and regular meeting are held between students and mentors to ensure everything is okay

Still living at home with my parents means that the salary package is sufficient and other than University travel expenses for our day to day roles are covered by the business so this does not affect our salaries. I have enough finances to fund the social activities I partake in each month

I am a member of the sports and social club which offer regular events such as comedy shows, nights out, along with sporting events such as go karting and visiting a trampoline park. The graduate and undergraduate community also organise multiple social events for members to attend. Last year I attended a European work football tournament organised by the company in Lisbon. I also attend a weekly football session

Yes

The opportunities within the company are very vast with so many different roles available to members of the company creating options for everybody. All this is offered whilst allowing us to study alongside gaining valuable work experience and meeting new people and working with people in exciting areas that are not available to all companies.

Ensure that IT is the correct industry you want to go into before joining the course else it may be considered boring and/or difficult. This should not be seen as a ‘Free-degree’ as it will not be enjoyed and should not be taken for the sake of it. CGI offers exciting opportunities for those interested in the IT industry