Geraldine Olea’s journey at CGI has been key in shaping both her professional and personal growth. From the outset, CGI's culture of continuous learning and development has not only equipped her with industry skills but also given her the confidence to represent the company. Find out more below.

Embracing a culture of growth and collaboration

Since joining CGI, I have had the opportunity to engage across all internal facets of the organisation and take ownership of projects that demonstrate the full range of my skillset. I have also been encouraged to participate in industry-related courses, networking events, and conferences to enhance my professional development. These proactive approaches have kept me abreast of industry trends and technologies, enriching both my skills and knowledge. As a result, my experience has broadened while deepening my understanding of the industry, bolstering my confidence in representing CGI and engaging effectively with prospective clients. CGI's culture underscores collaboration and continuous learning, fostering mentorship and guidance from experienced colleagues - all contributing to my professional growth.

Training and development for a future-ready skillset

Currently I am studying a Space related course, part of a master’s program at the International Space University where I’m learning about Space technologies such as SATCOM, satellite navigation, remote sensing, earth observation and PNT/GNSS. I'm steadily improving my knowledge and skills in the field of space technology. Additionally, CGI has provided me with access to various professional development courses provided in CGI’s internal learning portal, CGI Academia, including project management and leadership training. I have taken full advantage of these opportunities to further develop my expertise to advance my career within the company. The support and resources provided by CGI have been instrumental in my professional development and have helped me to stay at the forefront of the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Another significant opportunity for development is my role in co-managing the CGI Cyber Escape Australia project. This project has given me the opportunity to work closely with prospective clients and suppliers and has enabled me to expand my technical, project management and client communication abilities. Ultimately, this project has allowed me to take ownership of a significant piece of work for SDI Australia.

Overcoming challenges and reaching proficiency

A notable challenge I've faced as a professional at CGI has been navigating the Defence sector. As someone who does not have a defence background, it has been a considerable learning opportunity for me to learn about CGI’s wide range of Space, Defence and Intelligence products and solutions and to communicate them to industry leaders. I have met this challenge by actively seeking out the training and resources to educate myself on the intricacies of the defence sector. I have also made a concerted effort to network with colleagues who have more experience in this area and have sought out mentorship to help guide me through this learning process.

Team synergy creating professional development

Working in a dynamic team at CGI has been incredibly rewarding. Despite our geographic dispersion, we maintain strong connections. What sets my team apart is our deep respect for each other's diverse skillsets and backgrounds. Embracing a strong "sharing is caring" ethos, we collaborate to achieve success in the tasks we undertake together. It has taught me the value of effective communication, adaptability, and the importance of leveraging diverse perspectives to solve complex problems. Working alongside talented individuals has also expanded my knowledge and skills, allowing me to learn new technologies and approaches. Additionally, the collaborative nature of the team has helped me improve my teamwork and leadership abilities, ultimately making me a more well-rounded professional.

Broadening perspectives and looking to the future

Working at CGI has truly broadened my perspective on future possibilities and clarified my aspirations. I now have a clear vision of where I want to go and the skills I aim to acquire along the way. My career at CGI has exposed me to diverse projects and clients, enabling me to develop a versatile skill set and gain invaluable experience. With each step forward, I am driven by the goal of advancing to a leadership role, aiming to contribute at a directorial level in the fields of Space, Defence, and Intelligence. Overall, my experience at CGI has been pivotal in shaping my professional journey and has set me on a course towards achieving my long-term career aspirations.

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