Graduate & Industrial Placement FAQs

1. How many vacancies do you have?

   Full details for 2013 are yet to be confirmed but details of available positions can be found at Current Vacancies.

2. Do you have any placement positions?

   Full details for 2013 are yet to be confirmed but details of available positions can be found at Current Vacancies.

3. How do I apply?

   All applications for graduate and placement positions should be made via our online application form.

4. Can I send CGI my CV?

   CGI selects candidates for assessment centres by evaluating applications against our core competencies. To ensure that all applicants are treated fairly, we ask candidates to complete our standard application form.

5. Is there a closing date for applications?

   We do not have a set closing date. However, candidates should apply as soon as possible as we only have a limited number of places on our programmes.

6. What are the entry requirements?

   A minimum of first degree level of 2:1 is needed to apply, together with a minimum 240 UCAS points. Although some roles will require specialist technical skills, we look for candidates who can work alongside our clients to create innovative solutions to their business needs. We therefore welcome applications from those with IT and business degrees, excellent communication skills and a genuine interest in technology. For more information see Our Requirements.

7. How quickly will you get back to me once I've submitted my application?

   Your application will be acknowledged on receipt. We will then aim to advise you of your progress as quickly as possible. The majority of assessment centres take place between January and July each year. If we have no immediate opportunities available we may wish to keep your application on hold. We will however keep you updated as often as we can.

8. Does CGI take people who require a work permit?

   We welcome applications from anyone who is legally entitled to work in the UK.
   
   If you have a restriction on your right to remain and work in the UK you will need to show us how you intend to extend this right.
   
   Work permits are not currently needed for placement positions if you are an overseas student studying at a UK university.

9. If I'm successful, when can I start working for CGI?

   A suggested start date will be made with an offer of employment. This will be based on the information you provide on the application form and at interview.

10. What's the salary?

    The salary and benefits package reflects your technical knowledge, skills, individual performance and development - and regular reviews ensure we continue to recognise your progress. The starting salary for 2013 ranges from £21,600 to £26,000.
    
    In addition we have a comprehensive benefits package including 25 days' annual leave, a pension plan, life assurance, health insurance, a relocation allowance, season ticket loans and share ownership schemes. We also have a flexible benefits package which allows you to select from a number of benefits to suit your individual lifestyle.

11. What training is provided?

    All graduates will undertake a series of training courses in their first year which are designed to introduce you to the CGI way of business. Beyond this, training is not set in stone and is largely tailored to the individual.

12. Where is CGI based in the UK?

    We have offices throughout the UK and you can express location preferences on your application form. Client sites can be anywhere in the UK or worldwide. We therefore require staff to be flexible about where they work.

13. Are there opportunities for foreign travel?

    CGI is a global company so opportunities for travel will arise as your career progresses. These will be dependent upon the projects that are available and whether or not the individual has the appropriate skills. Realistically you cannot expect to be working on an overseas project in your first couple of years with CGI, but there are always exceptions.

14. What do you have to wear?

    When working at a client site, formal business attire should be worn, unless the client has a different policy or practice. When working in a CGI office “business casual” attire is normally acceptable, you should however be ready to dress up in the event of a client visit or candidate interview where formal business attire is advisable, (e.g., men should be “tie-ready”).

15. Does CGI recruit graduates for non-IT areas such as sales and marketing, HR, etc?

    The vast majority of graduates we recruit come from technical backgrounds. Sales and marketing roles tend to be carried out by IT professionals who have the technical, business and marketing skills to be able to sell CGI's services with confidence and authority. We do however occasionally recruit graduates into non-IT roles. Whenever such opportunities arise they will be advertised on our website.