Noreen Nonis is a senior consultant in CGI’s U.S. Commercial and State Government operations. With a CGI career spanning more than 25 years, Noreen’s journey—from software engineer in Bangalore to Scrum Master in the U.S.—is shaped by CGI’s culture of support and opportunity. With every role, she’s grown through mentorship, learning and leaders who encourage her to thrive professionally and personally.
Noreen, your CGI career spans over 25 years. Tell us about your professional journey.
I began my career journey with Logica in 1997—before its merger with CGI—as a software engineer in Bangalore, India. Early on, I immersed myself in a variety of projects, learning different tasks. As I gained experience, I took full ownership of project delivery, managing everything from budgeting and forecasting to contract validation. I also enjoyed gaining hands-on experience with technical aspects of a project, such as testing, development and implementation. Over time, I transitioned into roles focused on testing and quality management, where I was responsible for reporting defects, malfunctions and vulnerabilities across various programs and applications. This led me to wanting to be closer to the heart of delivery as a delivery manager.
About five years ago, I had an exciting opportunity to move to the U.S. and take on a dual role as Scrum Master and Release Train Engineer for a CGI product and a major client. It was a big decision—both professionally and personally—but one my family and I were ready to make, knowing it would open the door to a new and meaningful chapter in my career.
It’s clear you’ve had an opportunity to explore different roles. How do you prioritize learning as you take on new opportunities?
From the start, I saw CGI as a place to advance my career. Every project is a learning experience—whether it is deepening my expertise in banking and payments solutions or sharpening my project management and leadership skills. I learn from the work itself, and gain knowledge from colleagues on each project.
During quieter periods, I turn to CGI’s internal learning platform, CGI Academia, to continue building my capabilities. Over the years, I completed training in leadership behaviors, agility and innovation, estimation strategies, testing methods, and embracing change in the workplace, to name some. CGI Academia also helps me stay current with my certifications like PMP (project management) and Agile. I also use it to set focused, achievable development goals in collaboration with my leaders and mentor.
Looking back on your journey, how have your managers supported your career growth?
I am fortunate to have had managers who genuinely support my career goals and aspirations at every stage of my journey. When I applied for the opportunity to relocate to the U.S., my manager was right there, guiding me through the process and ensuring a smooth transition. I’ve also taken on roles that align with my skills and aspirations.
It isn’t always smooth sailing. Not every opportunity pans out as expected, and that’s okay. I see such situations as learning experiences that help me grow stronger and more adaptable in the long run.
What aspects of CGI’s culture resonate with you the most?
What stands out most for me is the culture of ownership. CGI’s Constitution forms the foundation of our culture. Our core values and ownership mindset shape how we operate and interact, not just with each other but with our clients as well. Being a CGI Partner means I’m not just an employee—I am a co-owner. That sense of responsibility empowers us to take initiative, deliver meaningful outcomes to clients, and contribute to the company’s growth.
At the same time, innovation is embedded in how we work. The frameworks and processes we have in place give us the structure to think boldly, act responsibly, and deliver outcomes that matter—for our clients, for CGI, and for our shareholders.
With your busy work schedule, how do you manage your time between work and your personal life? What do you do outside of work?
The key to managing my time is intention. I make it a priority to complete my work without pushing tasks to the next day. Setting clear priorities helps me stay focused and work efficiently. Over time, I've learned the value of establishing firm boundaries between work and personal time. I am comfortable saying "no" when needed to protect that space.
Outside of work, I find joy in simple things. I cherish my evening walks with friends and family; they help me unwind and stay connected. I’m actively involved in voluntary work within my community, which gives me immense fulfillment. I also love gardening—watching flowers bloom and growing my own vegetables.
And while I enjoy traveling with my family to new places, there’s nothing quite like returning to my hometown when I get the chance.
Thank you, Noreen, for sharing your inspiring career journey!
