Introducing Elizabeth

I'm Elizabeth Hibbert. I joined CGI at the end of 2023 as a Proposal Writer. This followed ten years in recruitment marketing and advertising, then ten years as a self-employed writer. 

 

The International Women’s Day 2025 theme ‘Accelerating Action’ involves taking bold steps, what inspired your transition from freelance writing to becoming a proposal writer for CGI?

I loved freelance writing because it gave me freedom and exposure to such a wide and fascinating variety of clients and industries. However, it did mean working largely on my own and moving from project to project. The prospect of being able to immerse myself into an organisation and industry became appealing. I felt this would enable me to go deeper with my research, build greater industry knowledge and give me a new writing challenge. I also craved being part of a team again - working alongside colleagues with different skills and experiences for a common goal. Although I was used to pitching for work and securing new business, it had been a very long time since I had been through a formal interview process, so it felt like a big step.

 

What was the biggest challenge you faced in re-entering the workforce, and how did you overcome it?

It was quite daunting moving back into corporate. While I had corporate experience, I had never worked in an organisation the size of CGI. When working self-employed as a writer, my 'objectives' were to do a great job for the client, get paid, then secure repeat work and hopefully a good testimonial! So getting to grips with CGI's various internal systems, careers families and career development was a challenge.

I overcame this in various ways. I took the time to read everything I could on CGI's intranet. It felt like a luxury to be 'allowed' to take time to read and learn how to be a part of CGI so I valued that when I joined. I started writing self-development articles for the Women's Network newsletter which forced me to explore topics which helped me as much as the readers! And finally I took the advice of my CGI buddy and spoke to as many people as possible, from my line manager to colleagues, to gather advice and tips.

 

How do you think organisations could better support women returning to work after a career break?

Re-joining a workplace after a career break is daunting. Many of us lose confidence because we've been in such an indescribably different world for a while, with different priorities and day to day activities. For me, I took four years out of the workplace while I had my family, then built up gradually through freelance work. I remember feeling like I couldn't even remember how to open a Word Document, let alone anything else! Areas of support that I think would be really helpful are;

  • Time to settle in: not being thrown into the deep end, but time to read and have one to ones and get to know people.
  • An appropriate buddy: selected because they also returned to work after a career break with tailored induction content and support.
  • Access to networks: point new joiners straight away to parent/women's network.
  • Line Manager understanding: frequent catch ups, with openness around what the returner needs e.g. basic training - 'no question too silly' policy!
  • A portal for return to work: containing frequent challenges, solutions, people to talk to, top tips, resources etc.

 

What advice would you give to other women looking to pivot their careers or return to the workforce?

The first thing I would say is to quieten all the doubts, 'buts' and 'I can'ts' in your head and just do it. I firmly believe that all experience is beneficial, whether that's a side step, a promotion or a total change. Some things we do out of necessity and others out of choice, but they are all valuable and make us who we are. I spent a lot of time ghost writing for female business owners and female CEOs. Some had pivoted with extreme career changes, including one former Global Head of Pensions turned Chef! Most had overcome doubts and confidence challenges. But all ended up in a really happy place, proud of their achievements. Talk to other like minded women and ask them how they faced your specific worries or challenges. 

Take advantage of all training and self-development opportunities and support. Learn as much as you possibly can about your new direction. Know that nothing has to be permanent, if you've made one change, you can make another. Do what makes you happy and works for you at the time. Accept that nothing is perfect but trying something new could change your life for the better. 

 

How do you see ‘Accelerate Action’ applying to women in the workplace and at CGI in particular?

I like this year's International Women’s Day theme of 'Accelerate Action'. It's clear and decisive. There's plenty of talk about women in the workplace in every media channel, but what's important is action. And it starts with ourselves. What actions can we as individuals take to improve outcomes for women? For me it's about positive steps to take ownership of my career through mindset, taking a mentor and engaging with networking opportunities. We can help others through contributing to our already impactful Women's Network and striving to do more, do better, reach even more women.

 Then there's action focused on the future. The messages and encouragement I give my own daughters in building their confidence and interest in careers in technology. Relevant, engaging outreach to school-age girls must be a priority if we are to bring the best talent into CGI. And as a business we must keep listening to women and offering the workplace and environment that enables us all to enjoy working at CGI and do our best work.