Company: CGI Group Inc.

Position: Technical Analyst

Employed: 25 months

Degree: Bachelors of Applied Science (BASc.), Honours Computer Engineering (Coop). University of Waterloo

What drew you to your current field?
In my younger years, I would spend hours messing around with the computer at home, fixing some problems and creating new ones, all the while fascinated at the things the computer could do. I still remember talking with my friends in elementary school about how we all wanted to work with computers when we grew up, even though we had no idea what that really meant. It wasn't until my older cousin started studying Computer Engineering (at the University of Waterloo) that I gave it some serious thought and actually started looking into what a career in computers really meant. With the help of two truly passionate teachers in high school, I learned what it meant to write computer programs and design circuits, and I knew then I was destined for a career in computers.

How did you find your current position?
Being part of the University of Waterloo's cooperative education program was the key. I worked at CGI as part of the Financial Services team in Toronto during my last coop term. When I finished my coop term, I returned back to school for my final term, and contacted one of the directors I had worked with during my time at CGI. A few emails later, I had a full-time job lined up after school and started work right after school ' literally, I started work three days after my last exam.

Can you tell us a bit about your responsibilities?
As with any consulting job, the project dictates the roles and responsibilities of each member, which differ from client to client. My responsibilities on past projects include developing proof of technology concepts, designing, coding and debugging code, and leading the efforts of a team of developers. Ultimately, my responsibility is to make sure the deliverable is completed properly and on time.

What is the most challenging aspect of your position?
The most challenging aspect of my position, which happens to be the most interesting aspect as well, is the constant need to learn new skills, new techniques and hit the ground running on any new project. Whether it's using new methodologies or technologies, every project is different, and a chance to learn new skills while at the same time, leveraging your past experiences.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Truth be told, it's the people I work with on a daily basis. There's nothing more rewarding than knowing you worked hard, finished the project on time, and had a great time doing it. And the right team is integral to most of that, one that knows how to have fun and laugh, and at the same time, get things done.

What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
To be successful as a technologist, you need to be adaptable, have a willingness to learn new skills, and a passion for solving problems! So take initiative, don't be hesitant to learn new skills and technologies, be self-motivated but at the same time a team player, and most importantly, have fun, because at the end of the day, you won't be successful unless you do well and enjoy what it is you're doing.

Is there one accomplishment you are most proud of to date?
The opportunity to take the lead role on a project when you're the most junior member of the team isn't the most likely of all scenarios. But when your Director takes you aside and tells you he wants you to take on the role of C++ Lead, you quickly realize you work for a team that isn't afraid to take a risk and give you a chance to prove what you're capable of. Going from being a member of the C++ development team to the Lead for my project was an amazing experience, and leading the design and development with a diverse team of developers was one of the proudest accomplishments of my newly begun career.

What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?
Don't underestimate what you know, but at the same time, don't oversell yourself. Prove yourself early on, and don't stop, don't become content with just getting by. The difference between an outstanding employee and an okay employee is more than just what they know, it's about how they put that knowledge into action, and how they interact with their colleagues. Stand apart, but for the right reasons.
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