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Kerry: Crafting a career in project management
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Kerry Holland is a senior consultant and project manager in CGI’s UK operations. Joining CGI while completing her university studies, Kerry has excelled as a project manager, honing her talents, embracing challenges and continuously seeking opportunities to improve her leadership skills. Outside of work, Kerry is a car enthusiast who enjoys going to car shows.
It’s great meeting you, Kerry! Tell us how you started your career at CGI.
I learned about an opportunity at CGI through my college careers newsletter. It really appealed to me because, at the time, I was at a crossroads and wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to university or do a sponsored degree, which is called a degree apprenticeship here in the UK. I decided to go the latter route, joining CGI in 2017 as a bid assistant, helping with contract change notices. This was the right choice because it allowed me to complete a degree and gain valuable experience in the IT and business consulting industry.
How did you take up project management?
From bid assistant, I transitioned to a project support role and that’s where it began. In 2020, I completed my studies and, with CGI’s support, also became a certified project manager. As project manager, I worked on digital transformation projects for government clients. Recently, I started a new role as Program Management Office (PMO) lead.
How is being a PMO lead different from your previous role?
This role gives me a broader perspective of project portfolios. I have more strategic insight and influence in project management programs I am involved in. It’s also an opportunity to enhance my leadership and management skills and gain exposure to diverse projects.
Is there a particular learning experience you’d like to highlight in your project management journey?
My manager suggested I apply for the Project Management Institute (PMI) Emerging Leaders program, an internationally recognized program for young leaders in project management. As part of the program, I attended an Emerging Leaders Conference in Berlin, Germany. This was a fantastic event where I met people in my field from around the globe.
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Before the conference, we were assigned a challenge statement. We engaged in weekly virtual sessions to come up with a solution, getting to know each other and drawing insights from project management professionals at large organizations like BAE Systems, the Infrastructure and Projects Authority, and NASA. We then presented our solution at the conference to a PMI council of about 100 people.
How has this experience translated into your everyday role?
Apart from being an invaluable opportunity to network with other professionals, it has enhanced my leadership skills and helped me make a difference within my team and the work we do for our clients. It has broadened my horizons and helped me expand my knowledge about new tools, while learning how to lead teams, navigate complex challenges and drive innovation—all of which are integral in helping our clients achieve trusted outcomes. At CGI, we have a strong culture of knowledge sharing, and I’m excited to share these insights with my colleagues.
Does your PMO role allow you to do innovative work?
Definitely. I’m currently working on a communications technology program for a UK government client. The program is delivering a new critical communications system for UK’s emergency responders, with CGI as the technology delivery partner. This is a really innovative project because it will enable fast, safe and secure voice, video and data across the 4G network and give responders immediate access to life-saving data, images and information in live situations and emergencies on the front line.
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What do you like the most about the CGI culture?
Being an environment where people enjoy working together and are proud of their work is important. This mirrors the CGI Dream: to create an environment in which we enjoy working together and, as owners, contribute to building a company we can be proud of. I have always felt welcomed and supported across the various teams I have worked with at CGI. There is a sense of community and shared purpose that drives each one of us.
Do you feel you can achieve a work-life balance? Outside of work, do you have any hobbies?
Yes, I achieve a good work-life balance as I have a flexible work schedule. When challenges and issues arise, either at work or home, I’m able to take the time I need to address them.
This year I participated in the UK Challenge, a CGI-sponsored event. The UK Challenge is a multi-day team-building event designed to test participants’ cognitive and physical abilities. This year, I set a goal to become fitter and more resilient; the UK Challenge motivated me to work toward improving my fitness.
Outside of work, I’m a car enthusiast and enjoy spending my spare time going to car shows, whether classic vintage cars or new and modified supercars. I love all of them.
Your career journey is inspiring. Thank you, Kerry, for sharing your story.
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