Shoot for the Stars: How I Pivoted Into an Innovative Space Practice With a Big Impact

Your career journey is truly that — a journey. Take Tina Meadows for example. Meadows started her career developing code in the telecommunications industry, and now she’s overseeing space programs for the federal government.

“I was really the right person in the right place at the right time to evolve to where I am now,” shares Meadows. “When I was given an opportunity to lead a small team of engineers working with a space company, I jumped at the opportunity — partly because it was new and different for me and partly because it aligned so nicely with my background.”

Since then, her career in the space industry has continued to evolve. Today, Meadows is paving the way for women in the space industry as a Vice President of Consulting Services at CGI, a business and IT consulting company that has supported the global space industry for over 40 years. “It’s quite a lineage of deep expertise,” Meadows notes. “We have a long history of working with space clients in new and innovative ways and converging multiple IT and science disciplines to bring about novel results.”

And Meadows isn’t just proud of the impressive legacy of the space practice at CGI, she’s also honored to be part of a team that appreciates the one-of-a-kind perspective she gained from her career journey. “I love working for a company that values my individual and unique contribution,” she tells us. “And that is how all of our members should feel — because it’s true. Being able to provide growth opportunities that can last an entire career while making a significant impact within the space industry is truly special.”

Here, we got the chance to talk to Meadows about this unique opportunity, the positive impact her team is creating, the benefits of joining, and why the future of the space practice at CGI looks bright.

To begin, can you tell us a bit more about your job? What’s your current role, how long have you been in this role, and what’s your day-to-day like?

I have been serving the U.S. Federal Space industry for seven years. I currently lead CGI Federal’s space practice, which entails overseeing delivery for current space programs, building out new capabilities, and understanding the needs of potential clients. Specifically, we work with commercial clients who serve the federal government, as well as civilian agencies. 

On a day-to-day basis, I consult — a lot! And I love that. My days are typically filled with many calls on different topics. There is a great variety involved and a lot of creativity. I thrive in that. Taking or having an idea, evolving it into a strategy, and then determining tactics to bring it to reality really energizes me.

What were some specific positive outcomes for the space practice at CGI?

We have a legacy of looking at problems differently at CGI — and we’re proud of that. One example is creating a network of like-minded partners. There are so many companies that build great business around a niche capability. And niche capabilities are typically one important piece to a puzzle. We surround ourselves with partners with complementary capabilities in order to bring together novel solutions for our clients. 

Another outcome is our encouragement of innovation related to this industry. For example, looking at the proliferation of space data and what that means to data management or data lineage and then carefully considering the resulting consequences or what-if scenarios in order to determine a solution for the next big industry issue. 

Can you describe three ways that CGI’s space practice benefits employees?

1. Growth! Our members have the ability to grow technical skills, subject matter expertise, and leadership qualities. The industry is booming and with that comes opportunity!

2. For people who are out-of-the-box thinkers, the ability to truly create something new and different.

3. Being part of something like a launch or a NASA Artemis program can be a career highlight. We look to the stars to gain perspective and sometimes inspiration; think of what it feels like to work on missions that impact what we put into space. 

Looking ahead, do you plan to continue and grow the space practice in the future?

Of course! That’s another favorite part for me — determining the path toward further growth, which will impact the industry and result in many opportunities for our members. 

Inspired to reach for the stars and join the CGI team? Check out open opportunities via the link below…