SIEM SME Review
at CGI
Degree Apprenticeship
Information Technology
Chippenham, Wiltshire
Review Submitted: March 2023
Overall Rating
4.1 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
-
Overview of Role
4/5
-
Skills Development
3.6/5
-
Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
5/5
I work as part of a large project to deliver cyber security functionality to a client. I work to onboard data into the SIEM tool and make sure that it is operating as expected - and rectifying any errors. I also liaise with the users and client to make sure that the tool is meeting all of their requirements and needs. I have a daily stand up where I report on my progress and blockers, and I also have frequent communication with the rest of my team and the client.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
4/5
I really enjoy working alongside knowledgeable people and picking up new skills. I have found that working alongside university has helped me to understand the concepts fully, and I have more support from the company with my university topics as there is always someone who can support me with my learning.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
4/5
I have learnt about new technology and tooling and I have been able to learn lots from very experienced team members. The people on my team are also willing to share their expertise and make sure that I am learning new things. I am also encouraged to widen my knowledge area.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
Work is very organised and structured and they provide 1 day per week to attend the university, and want to make sure you feel supported in this time. They help support you by providing a mentor for the entire period of university that has previously completed the apprenticeship, and they also provide 30 day additional leave in year 3 to help you complete your dissertation.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
They help support you by providing a mentor for the entire period of university that has previously completed the apprenticeship, and they also provide 30 day additional leave in year 3 to help you complete your dissertation. They also encourage you to reach out to anyone in the company to help you understand anything which you don't understand from university.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
1/5
My training provider provides lectures and seminars compacted on one day of the week to give you the information required for the module. The lecturers and tutors tend to be inexperienced with some not understanding the concepts they are teaching. There are also long-winded procedures when trying to raise things that need to be improved on - it often seems like your feedback isn't valued.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
3/5
I am often learning concepts at work before they are taught at the university which means that I am picking up the topics quicker at university. Some topics you will have already covered in your job role, but you also cover other specialist areas at university which will not be used at work (but will enhance your understanding of digital technology and solutions).
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
5/5
CGI has an Sports and Social Club which lets you network with other people from the company. All activities are subsidised by the company and any member can organise an event (pottery painting, axe throwing, Ascot racing days, cocktail making and anything else you want). There are also a number of regular sports teams that are available to join in each office location (badminton, football, netball...). There is also the Early Careers and Young Professionals network which allow you to professionally and socially network with other people in the same age range as you at work.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend CGI to a friend?
Yes
Why?
The company fully supports your professional development and provides training beyond just your apprenticeship qualification and degree (this includes industry standard qualification, vendor certifications, and specialist training courses). They also have a large amount of young people so you can make friends really easily and build your own community of people.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CGI?
Throw yourself into it and show who you really are. CGI employees are called members and are encouraged to bring their full selves to work, so exhibit your full personality in the interview process. Reach out to people who already work for the company if you have any questions, there are loads of people who would love to help you.
