In this article CGI Partner Samuel De Zoete shares how a job referral from a friend opened the door to a new role at CGI that perfectly fit with his interests and skills. Hear how this experience helped integrate him into our company where culture and values aligned.

July 2024

A job referral can often open the door to new opportunities, and for me, it was the start of an enriching career journey with CGI. My colleague and friend, Simon Huska, whose academic pursuits in Cybersecurity and Criminology ran in parallel to my own, spoke highly of his experiences with CGI. His recommendation led me apply online for the role of a Tier 1 SOC Analyst, a position that perfectly fit my interests and skills. Simon’s referral not only kicked off a seamless interview process, but has also integrated me into a company with a culture that thrives on inclusivity, continuous learning, and genuine camaraderie.

Stepping in: the referral and interview experience

Simon's referral carried me into a clear and supportive interview process. It started with an initial phone screening and then moved to interviews. Despite the challenging questions, the interactive nature of the discussions were designed to thoroughly to assess my suitability. That immediate transparency and comfort they offered went a long way toward mirroring Simon's portrayal of the company: a team of friendly professionals seeking to bring onboard individuals not just for their technical skills but also for their fit into the culture. Accepting the job offer was a natural step forward, propelled by a belief that CGI's work environment had much to offer.

First impressions: a glimpse into company culture

Any nerves I initially had were quickly put at ease during the interview stage, with the team demonstrating friendliness and clear communication about the application process. The atmosphere was never intimidating, rather, it encouraged an open exchange, illustrating to me the company culture early on. This confirmed what Simon had told me — CGI was straightforward in its approach, prioritising a friendly work environment just as much as efficiency and expertise. These interactions gave me an authentic glimpse of what lay ahead, and reinforced my decision to join CGI.

Immersion and growth: life at CGI

Now months into my role, CGI's culture has not only met but exceeded my expectations. CGI's dedication to professional development, through ample training opportunities and mentorship, has significantly enhanced my expertise, and the inclusive and nurturing environment has allowed my skills to flourish. The company's focus went beyond solely business transactions; it was about nurturing its people and culture. A testament to this was Harmony Day, where the sharing of diverse cuisines, including my Poffertjes (Dutch pancakes), showcased the warmth and openness of CGI's culture—a true celebration of diversity and inclusion.

Advocating the CGI experience: championing referrals

The journey through a personal referral to becoming a valued member of CGI has been a whirlwind. The initial referral from my colleague introduced CGI to me – I might not otherwise have applied. But even with a referral, the next steps of the application process were fair, objective and transparent. The transition from candidate to employee was marked by a welcoming integration into a company that champions continuous learning and a positive work environment. I am hoping that in the future I will also get the chance to recommend CGI and refer someone that I know would be a great fit, to the company.

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