Chloe Gallagher, a software developer with CGI, gives us an insight into her apprenticeship.
My love for tech started in high school, where I had the good luck of having an enthusiastic female teacher who loved the subject and showed me that I had the potential and opportunity to continue in the field.
I enjoyed everything about computing, and this teacher inspired me to pursue a career in tech where I could feed my passion.
It’s no secret that within this industry, there is a noticeable difference in the number of men in comparison to women. I really wanted to prove to other girls that anything is possible if you put your mind to it.
Finding my feet at CGI
It is a fact that women are chronically underrepresented in the tech industry, and gender disparity is a concern. So when I first joined CGI, I wondered whether I’d been hired simply to ‘tick a box’, and worried whether I’d be taken seriously as a young woman.
Fortunately, I have been treated with nothing but respect.
I have had two mentors in particular who have made an impact on me and encouraged me to grow as a person. I’ve been motivated to be the very best I can be, and I’ve learned that pushing myself out of my comfort zone allows me to grow and develop professionally and personally.
Another invaluable lesson I learned when I first joined was to widen my network—something that can seem a bit daunting, but it is such an essential part of getting started in your profession.
These indispensable pieces of advice allowed me to build a strong foundation and the confidence to keep building my career.
An inclusive and supportive work environment
My co-workers and company do not treat me differently based on my gender; I am treated as an equal, and my skills or ability have never been questioned.
Not only that, but the professional development opportunities that CGI offers have provided me with a platform and a pathway to success. CGI invests in comprehensive learning and development programs that allow for building the skills you need to progress in your career.
During my first apprenticeship, for example, CGI provided me with opportunities to complete the courses I needed to grow my skills and kickstart my career. And now, working on my master’s level apprenticeship, I am learning even more while gaining official accreditation and certification.
Notably, many of the women within CGI are in senior or leadership roles; these women are such great role models for those just starting out. It is encouraging and refreshing to see this female presence and proves that my goals are achievable.
I am proud to be working with such a supportive company, a place where women can feel empowered and successful. Check out the career options at CGI and join us!
This blog post was reproduced with the kind permission of Chloe and CGI and was originally published on LinkedIn for International Women's Day 2021.
