Early Career Co-Op Program

Position Overview

The Early Career Co‑op Program is a six‑week, training‑focused experience designed to expose early‑in‑career students to the fundamentals of working in a global professional services organization. This program emphasizes skill development, professional readiness, and business awareness, rather than long‑term project deployment, making it distinct from traditional internship programs.

Participants will engage in structured learning activities, foundational business training, and guided exposure to multiple functional areas, depending on business unit alignment and availability. This role is designed to support early career exploration and development across diverse teams that may operate in different domains, industries, or technical areas.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities may vary by business unit but are expected to include:

• Participation in a structured, instructor‑led and self‑directed training curriculum
• Introduction to core business concepts, tools, and methodologies relevant to professional services
• Completion of learning modules, case‑based exercises, and team‑based activities
• Shadowing and exposure to cross‑functional teams and business units, where applicable
• Development of foundational professional skills, including communication, collaboration, and problem‑solving
• Engagement in program check‑ins, learning reflections, and a capstone-style learning summary or presentation
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• Currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a STEM or Business‑related major (including but not limited to Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, Data Analytics, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Management, or related fields)
• Expected graduation date of:
• May 2027 or December 2027, or
• May 2028
• Strong interest in learning about professional services and early‑career pathways
• Ability to commit to the full six‑week program duration
  
  

Preferred

• Demonstrated interest in technology, consulting, analytics, operations, or business strategy
• Strong communication and collaboration skills
• Curiosity, adaptability, and willingness to learn in a fast‑paced
  
  

Program Outcomes

Participants Will Leave The Program With

• Increased exposure to professional services environments
• Foundational technical or business skill development
• Greater clarity on early‑career pathways and areas of interest
• Enhanced professional confidence and readiness for future opportunities
  
  

Location and Onsite Requirements

Associates will be assigned to a Cognizant office in one of the following locations:

• Atlanta, Georgia
• Chicago, Illinois
• Englewood, Colorado
• Mesa, Arizona
• Plano, Texas
• Teaneck & Bridgewater, New Jersey
  
  

Associates are expected to work onsite at their assigned office location up to five days per week. Relocation assistance is not available for this program.

In addition to the locations listed above, a limited number of fully remote positions may be available based on business needs and role alignment. Availability of remote roles is not guaranteed and will be determined by Cognizant.

Start Date

The co-op will last 6 weeks, starting in June 2026.

Hourly Rate And Other Compensation

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The hourly rate for this position is $20.00 per hour, depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate.

Disclaimer

The hourly rate, other compensation, and benefits information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.

Work Authorization

Due to the nature of this position, Cognizant cannot provide sponsorship for U.S. work authorization (including participation in a CPT/OPT program) for this role.

Cognizant is always looking for top talent. We are searching for candidates to fill future needs within the business. This job posting represents potential future employment opportunities with Cognizant. Although the position is not currently available, we want to provide you with the opportunity to express your interest in future employment opportunities with Cognizant. If a job opportunity that you may be qualified for becomes available in the future, we will notify you. At that time you can determine whether you would like to apply for the specific open position. Thank you for your interest in Cognizant career opportunities.