Infrastructure Engineer Review

Working on many fast paced space projects to provide managed infrastructure services including design work, maintenance and configuration of various systems. This includes servers, networking, system administration and responding to user requests. Additionally, this role requires working on the client site for various deployments and client support activities for their systems.

Since joining CGI, I have developed professionally and technically. The professional elements include leadership, management and greater understanding of business practices. Moreover, the technical skills gained include networking, servers, and a wide range of other infrastructure related expertise which has been complimented with university studies and external training courses.

The programme is tough, and hard work, with the University communication lacking a little unfortunately. But overall, the programme is an incredible opportunity, and very enjoyable to be able to learn, and apply this knowledge on some very fascinating projects and work in some great teams. There is a lot of opportunity to explore what you are interested in.

Within the organisation, there is a very good support network both formally and informally. There are review processes and other formal agreements to ensure there is a good level of structure, as well as informal calls and contact with other students. Although the University of Winchester lacks in communication, which can lead to added stress and a great deal of confusion among students, taking time and escalation to resolve on occasion.

From CGI, there is a large amount of support from a wide range of teams and departments. There is a mentor assigned to you to directly support with university studies, as well as a staff manager who is able to deal with programme related issues. As well as a student and careers team who can provide guidance and resolve issues.

There is enough support from the training provider, although there always feels a disconnect between the final summative assignments and the lectures, with poor feedback and unclear guidance on how to complete work. This leads to confusion and uncertainty, and although the content in the lectures is acceptable, it does not always manifest in the assignments and so should be better structured and aligned.

There is a great mix of business and technical elements, so in my role there is lots I can apply. Although some things are perhaps outdated, it certainly gives an appreciation of various processes or technologies, and makes it very easy to understand the wider operations of CGI as an organisation.

Yes, although as expected during COVID-19, this has slowed significantly. Although there are still many opportunities to socialise and meet colleagues on Teams and online. Although usually, the sports and social club provides many activities and great opportunities for free to there is always something going on to enjoy yourself.

Yes

Overall, the opportunity at CGI is fantastic. Having been offered many apprenticeships after successful interviews and weighing up the benefits and disadvantages of all - CGI was clearly the best option to go with, and three years later, I still firmly believe this is the best decision. From the work opportunities, training, to the company culture.

When applying, show you have a genuine interest and passion - No one is expecting you to be a senior consultant, or the world's most experienced individual, but demonstrating your abilities and competencies, and how you will be good for the role will be much more rewarding for applicants overall.