In this article, Senior Consultant, Akhil Sharma shares how a love of technology and a desire to solve complex problems led him to a rewarding career in geospatial at CGI. He has built his career on curiosity, collaboration and a belief that innovation happens when you keen an open mind. Today, Akhil is helping clients across the public sector harness the power of location data to make more informed decisions about the world around them.
Dec 2025
Discovering a new direction
I have always been drawn to the intersection of technology and real-world impact. Before joining CGI, my work already involved analysing data and designing systems, but I was looking for a way to bring together my technical experience with something that felt more connected to people and place. That is when I discovered the potential of geospatial technology.
What appealed to me most was its breadth. Geospatial brings together everything from mapping and data science to environmental planning and policy. It is not just about software; it is about understanding how data can be used to make better decisions for society. Joining CGI gave me the chance to turn that curiosity into a career.
Building a career with purpose
Since joining CGI, I have worked on geospatial projects for the Welsh Government and other public sector clients, helping to make data more accessible and useful for decision-making. Each project has deepened my understanding of how location intelligence supports national priorities, from sustainability to infrastructure planning.
What makes CGI stand out is the way it encourages you to take ownership of your growth. From the start, I was trusted to lead parts of projects, explore new technologies and share ideas. That sense of ownership helped me quickly build confidence and shape my career around the areas I find most meaningful.
Thriving in an open, creative environment
CGI’s technology-agnostic approach to geospatial work has been a huge source of learning for me. We do not rely on one platform or toolset. Instead, we look for the best solution for each client, whether that involves enterprise systems like Esri or open-source tools. This openness fuels creativity and collaboration. It gives me the freedom to experiment, learn from others and bring my own ideas to the table.
Beyond project delivery, I am also involved in CGI’s geospatial and software engineering communities. Through these networks, I have presented at conferences, shared insights and learned from peers who are as passionate about this field as I am. It is a genuinely supportive culture that values growth and connection.
Looking ahead: shaping the next chapter of geospatial
Geospatial is changing rapidly, driven by cloud computing, AI and real-time data. What excites me most is how these advances are helping governments and organisations respond to challenges like climate change and urban development. I want to continue developing in roles that combine technical expertise with strategic thinking, helping clients use geospatial insight to shape a more sustainable future.
For anyone considering a career in this field, my advice is to stay curious and open. Geospatial is about connecting ideas and disciplines, and at CGI, you have the support and freedom to do just that.
Find out more about careers at CGI and see whether we have any opportunities for you.
