October 2026
In this article Ariana, a recent CGI graduate, reveals what it's like to host the CGI Cyber Escape as a Games Master.
When I joined CGI as a Business Graduate in the Leeds Business Unit, I hoped to develop my skills through practical projects, training and collaboration. Just two weeks into my new role, all of this came to life as myself and the cohort of new graduates stepped up to the challenge to host the CGI Cyber Escape.
For one week over 21 – 25 September, coinciding with Leeds Digital Festival, CGI’s dedicated cyber escape came to Nexus campus at the University of Leeds. Alongside the other graduates, I took on the role of Games Master – a hat I didn’t expect to wear within my first month at CGI.
We were responsible for monitoring the game, guiding participants through the experience and making sure they remained engaged in the mission while still enjoying themselves.
Strengthening cyber security through problem solving and teamwork
Taking on this role gave me the opportunity to experience cyber security from a completely different perspective, one centred around teamwork and problem-solving, while also creating an engaging experience for others.
It was certainly a unique way to spend my first few weeks in a new role. After only knowing each other for a few days, the other graduates and I suddenly found ourselves working closely together inside a shipping container for the majority of the week. However, that experience quickly became one of the most valuable parts of my onboarding.
Working in such a fast-paced and unfamiliar environment encouraged us to communicate, problem-solve and support one another from the beginning. I believe the bonds we built through teamwork, resilience and shared responsibility would have taken much longer to develop in a traditional office environment.
The Cyber Escape Room also reinforced the importance of online safety in a way that felt practical and memorable. Most of us are familiar with the basics, such as keeping passwords private, but the code-cracking activities encouraged me to think more carefully about the everyday habits that can help protect both personal and valuable data.
For example, it highlighted the importance of regularly updating passwords, avoiding sharing sensitive information and remaining aware of who may be able to see or hear information around you. As technology continues to advance and create new opportunities, it is equally important to remember that not everyone uses it with good intentions. Staying vigilant and taking simple precautions can make a significant difference.
The importance of trust, collaboration and looking to the future
My favourite part of the Cyber Escape Room experience was being trusted to host the event throughout the week, alongside the other graduates. It was a real honour to be given this level of responsibility so early in my career. As we were all new, collaboration and teamwork were essential to making the event a success. As the days went on, we developed new ways of working, adapted our approach and found ways to make the experience smoother both for ourselves and for the participants.
Looking back, it was an exciting way to begin my journey at CGI. In such a short space of time, I had the opportunity to work with new colleagues, take responsibility for an important event and develop my confidence in a completely new environment.
For anyone considering applying for a graduate role at CGI, my advice would be to embrace the process and be open to the opportunities that come your way. The work CGI does has a real impact, and every team I have encountered so far has been welcoming, supportive and happy to answer questions.
Starting a career in a junior role can naturally feel overwhelming at times, but having the right support makes a huge difference. From my experience so far, CGI provides the encouragement and opportunities needed not only to settle into the organisation, but also to start thinking seriously about your own career goals and where you would like them to take you.
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