Configuration Manager/Software Developer/Infrastructure Engineer Review

Recently transferred from Configuration Manager to Software Developer. Since joining, I have configured development systems, been involved in project reporting, been involved in project management, technical review and workflow strategy meetings, assisted in the design of new project workflows and processes, scripted processes, managed hardware upgrades and written code for use in live applications. All for multimillion pound projects. In a given day, I will easily interact with project managers, testers, developers, infrastructure engineers and design authorities from member to VP career level. The company has a fairly flat management structure, so it is easy to approach and gain levels of training and mentorship from all levels within the organisation.

Since joining, I have achieved both an apprenticeship (level 4 City & Guilds) and a Foundation Degree (level 5 University of Winchester) in Information Systems Management. I have also been involved in training sessions relating to the project and put forward for Oracle Java 8 Accredited courses/exams. We cover a wide base of topics in the university course, which cover best practice views and theories for the workplace that are clearly relatable to the workplace within CGI. In the workplace, I have been taken from zero programming experience to having recognisable competencies in a wide range of languages and tools, including: Batch, Powershell, Java, VBA, Shell scripting, Subversion, Maven, JenkinsCI, JbossEAP, Spring Framework, Hibernate, JPA etc. In some of these skills, performance reviews have even noted project expert status.

The work, working environment, colleagues and company culture lead to an incredibly satisfying work environment, especially for those new to the IT industry. Team mates and managers are friendly and reasonable, whilst stretching you to develop personally. At no stage are you exposed to real risks without support, and at no stage are you treated any differently than graduate joiners. The University course has good content, although this didn't meet my expectations for the technical stream, as there is a heavy focus on management, and technical skills fall by the wayside. There have been some organisational issues here, and disparity between business and technical streams causes some frictions between peers, although overall the quality is high.

In all workplace respects, CGI do as well as could be expected by any business, small or large. Actions are appreciated and noted by colleagues (even now, 2 years after writing them, my scripts are noted to new joiners as extremely useful and attributed to me by name). The only failing could be the defence of students by scheme leaders in some university matters - although it is understandable why it may be policy not to do so.

Induction structure was fantastic. The university course is structured to the relevant standard, and the organisation has good support structures throughout for new joiners. However, in the workplace beyond induction, people management for SDP students is down the BU - therefore there is no real programme influence. I would personally note preference to this method, as it is more like joining the company as a normal employee, however it does cause some issues from an organisational perspective for the scheme leaders.

Similarly to previous comments, support is good from the university who deliver a course with good content that effectively underpins learning in the workplace. However, there are some organisational issues and in some cases an apparent lack of understanding of the issues and time constraints that SDP students have. This is becoming less of an issue, but is always compounded by university policy or process changes, such as changing VLE software.

Support in the workplace is phenomenal, management and team leads are incredibly helpful with introductions to projects and on the job training. Mentors for work based studies are senior members who do a huge amount to support individual students. The working environment is as good as any graduate could expect, so it is satisfying to be working at that level from day one (even if it takes a little bit of time to recognise it). The only weakness is the company HR department, who appear to regularly make mistakes - especially regarding SDP students who follow slightly different processes that HR systems do not account for.

The salary package for me covers rent, a normal (20 minute) drive to work, all food, enough for nights out and holidays, whilst still allowing me to save (living in Reading). For travel further than a particular distance, expenses packages (in different forms) can be approved by projects, which mean that no money is lost just for working on a particular project (unless HR are involved, which often causes issues for both the project and individual).

There are a huge number of voluntary initiatives on offer, including the Princes Trust annual fundraisers, assisting at school events, and community ambassador roles. Additionally events such as Christmas parties, annual tours, quarterly updates and other project specific events (project launches, or other events) are both a fun way to get involved and are great for networking. The only issue with the SDP is that time is constrained, so the time available to maximise these opportunities is not necessarily ideal.

Yes

I would be cautious recommending any Sponsored Degree Scheme such as this to friends as they are intense. But as far as they go, CGI's is a good one. Although some may find the course frustrating organisationally, the content is valuable to any role in the IT industry (even for just understanding and empathising with other departments/roles) and the company treat and train their members incredibly well. There's a pleasant and inclusive culture, with a flat management structure that makes it inconsequential for a new undergrad to socialise and discuss work even in passing with members as senior as VP and sector leads.

If you're looking to apprenticeships as an alternative to university, evaluate why and consider your other options. Those who didn't want to go to university but wanted to work instead will almost always finish the course, and not at all regret it, but will find it an incredibly stressful experience. For those who are on board for the right reasons (for want of a better phrase) then be yourself in the assessment centres and allow the business to recognise the type of worker that you are. This allows your first role(s) to be as beneficial as possible until work experience and the university modules really make you self aware about your strengths, weaknesses and preferences. At this stage, you can take control of your career like any other employee and really make the most of your experience. Remember a career is a marathon, not a sprint. Enjoy the process of finding where you want to be.