Senior Early Careers Recruitment Specialist Review
at CGI
Degree Apprenticeship
Recruitment, Business Management, Business Operations
Birmingham
Review Submitted: April 2026
Overall Rating
5 /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!
5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
5/5
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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 do early careers recruitment and lead apprenticeships, focusing on attracting, hiring, and developing emerging talent into the business. My role involves designing and managing programmes such as apprenticeships, internships, and graduate schemes, while ensuring they align with business needs and deliver long-term value.
Day to day, I manage candidate pipelines, coordinate recruitment processes, and work closely with hiring managers and training providers. I also build relationships with schools and community partners to widen access to opportunities, while tracking performance and outcomes to continuously improve our programmes.
Day to day, I manage candidate pipelines, coordinate recruitment processes, and work closely with hiring managers and training providers. I also build relationships with schools and community partners to widen access to opportunities, while tracking performance and outcomes to continuously improve our programmes.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
I enjoy that my university programme gives me a balance of practical experience and academic learning. It allows me to apply what I learn directly to my role, which makes the content more meaningful and relevant.
I also value the opportunity to develop new skills, broaden my knowledge, and connect with others on similar career paths. It’s a chance to step back from the day-to-day, reflect, and grow both professionally and personally.
I also value the opportunity to develop new skills, broaden my knowledge, and connect with others on similar career paths. It’s a chance to step back from the day-to-day, reflect, and grow both professionally and personally.
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Yes, I’ve both developed existing skills and gained new ones through the programme. The organisational strategy module has strengthened my strategic thinking, helping me better align early careers initiatives with wider business goals. The accounting and finance module has also improved my commercial awareness, giving me more confidence in understanding budgets, costs, and the financial impact of programmes.
Alongside this, I’ve continued to build on key skills such as stakeholder management, data analysis, and decision-making, which I apply day to day in my role.
Alongside this, I’ve continued to build on key skills such as stakeholder management, data analysis, and decision-making, which I apply day to day in my role.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
5/5
The programme is very well structured, with a clear balance between academic learning and practical application. As an MBA at a top 1% business school, it’s both challenging and rewarding, with content that builds logically and adds real value to my role.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
I receive a high level of support from my employer, including a dedicated day each week to focus on my studies. There’s strong encouragement to apply my learning in practice, which makes a real difference to both my development and performance.
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
5/5
The support from my training provider is great. They provide clear guidance, accessible resources, and ongoing support throughout the programme, ensuring I stay on track and get the most out of the learning experience.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
5/5
It has a strong positive impact on my performance. The learning is directly relevant to my role, helping me think more strategically, make informed decisions, and add greater value to the business. It’s also supporting my longer-term career goals, particularly as I work towards moving into a leadership role.
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
Yes, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. I regularly take part in CGI initiatives, including mentoring and social activities, as well as wider networking opportunities. It’s a great way to build connections, develop new skills, and contribute beyond my core role.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend CGI to a friend?
Yes
Why?
CGI gives you real responsibility early on, with a strong focus on growth and long-term careers rather than quick wins. There’s a genuine investment in people; whether that’s through structured programmes, continuous learning, or opportunities like a degree apprenticeship alongside work. The culture is supportive and collaborative, and there’s plenty of scope to get involved beyond your role, from mentoring to social and community initiatives. It’s a place where you’re trusted to develop, contribute, and shape your own path.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to CGI?
Be clear on your motivation; why CGI, and why the role. Show curiosity about the business and an understanding of its values. Bring examples that demonstrate your potential, not just experience things like initiative, teamwork, and problem-solving. Do your research, be authentic in how you present yourself, and don’t be afraid to show ambition.
