Bid and PM support Review

I am bid and PM support for Cyber Security. I work to answer potential clients questions, finance the work and submit a proposal. I also work closely with our Penetration Testing Department processing POs and developing Commercial proposals. It is varied, demanding and stretching.

My Role is hugely varied and is full of new skills. As simple as effective use of email and calendars and keeping track of work to more specific challenges like tracking a bid through all stages of our internal governance process or financing and budgeting a proposal ensuring our margins are healthy but competitive

For the first Few weeks it was very slow moving and the freedom to find your own role was worrying, however since finding a role this has allowed to have a more direct network around me and build some great relationships. Now I am often excited to do certain tasks in work and really enjoy the ways in which the work stretches my ability.

Throughout the company ethos their 'members' are crucial and that was emphasised right from our induction. This is quite strongly felt as we have begun carrying out the programme. Simply with the share scheme, PPP and focus on our personal development. However we have also been given key contacts who we have regular catch up sessions with which personally makes me feel valued. I think we all believe that are roles are key within our team and even at this early stage have a lot to add to the company and this is fully respected and valued.

Before even joining the company there was a vast amount of support and prior information. This was impressive and made you feel as though the company have clearly structured the course. Upon joining our induction was a couple of days and we were given key contacts that helped many find there first roles. There was a few who it took a while to find a role and I feel that potentially a little more organisation here may have minimised this. In terms of the degree it is highly structured in relation to the company and you can really see how what you are learning is directly applicable to what you do the rest of the week

Individual lectures are extremely supportive and appreciative our situation. They are aware and impressed by the additional pressure of a full time job. They therefore are more forward in there support than I imagine they may be to some usual students. However they do this in a manner that forces you to think through the correct response rather than simply giving you this, which is of course frustrating but in the long run the based way of supporting a student.

The initial about of contacts you are introduced to on an individual basis is what I think is crucial to making CGI such a supportive employer. It is possible to individually be assigned and introduced to a Resource manager, line manager, project manager, Buddy, Programme Leader, Student recruitment Team, Work Based studies mentor and project team within your first week. Once from this point your network spreads rapidly through simple conversations in the office. All of these individuals are proud of the programme and the individuals it produces and therefore naturally try to support and progress your professional career.

All additional expenses including accommodation and food are covered so if you are ever required to do anything of additional cost for the company you will never be left out of pocket. The benefits are also generous with the share purchase plan being effective immediately as well as good discounts. The salary in the first year is tight whilst paying rent in Reading, however this is defiantly manageable and increased at such a rate that even by the second year this is comfortable. by the point of graduation you are well above the average graduate salary and all without and debt and most aim to have considerable savings towards a mortgage.

Every Wednesday evening I play football which Is organised through work. This is supplied through the sports and social club that gives huge discounts. Before Christmas there was several events that I attended for cheap and these events run all year around. One that personally stands out is the opportunity to play in the CGI euros where every office in Europe enters a team to a football competition in a host country, runs over a weekend away.

Yes

After 3 years working for the company I am going to have a wealth of knowledge and experience in the world of work. I am only 4 months in and feel I could compete against someone who has just graduated due to how much on the job knowledge is so much more vital than a purely academic perspective. The combination that CGI offer of academia and hands on experience will set me years ahead of the average graduate by the time I graduate at 21. On top of this I will have £0 worth of debt compared to the usual £45,000 debt. I also am utilising the share purchase plan and pay rises to aim to save for a mortgage by the end of my 4th year (aged 25) which would have been impossible a year after graduation on a normal degree.

In the application focus on why you think CGIs values and your values match. Fully research what it is they do so you are able to explain this back to them in all rounds of the application process, this shows you are keen and serious about the commitment. Don't underestimate the work load of uni and a job. 50 hours a week during term times is a minimum.