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New Grad Early Career Development Program Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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New Grad Early Career Development Program information

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$102.7K

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How much do new grad early career development program jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for new grad early career development program in the United States is $102,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,000.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects and mentorship can I expect in a New Grad Early Career Development Program?

In a New Grad Early Career Development Program, you'll typically work on a variety of projects designed to build foundational skills and expose you to different business areas. These programs often pair you with experienced mentors who guide your professional growth, help you set goals, and provide feedback on your performance. You'll collaborate with peers and cross-functional teams, participate in workshops or training sessions, and may rotate through different departments to gain a broad understanding of the organization. This structure helps you develop both technical and soft skills, laying the groundwork for future career advancement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a New Grad Early Career Development Program, and why are they important?

To thrive in a New Grad Early Career Development Program, you typically need a relevant bachelor's degree, a strong academic record, and foundational knowledge in your field of interest. Familiarity with common productivity software, industry-specific tools, and sometimes basic project management systems is advantageous. Strong communication, adaptability, teamwork, and a willingness to learn help new grads stand out and maximize growth opportunities. These skills and qualities are important to successfully transition from academia to the workplace, build professional networks, and contribute meaningfully to the organization.

What is a New Grad Early Career Development Program?

A New Grad Early Career Development Program is a structured initiative offered by many companies to help recent college graduates transition into the professional workforce. These programs typically combine on-the-job training, mentorship, and rotational assignments, allowing new graduates to develop key skills, gain exposure to different business areas, and build a professional network. Most programs last from several months to two years and are designed to accelerate participants’ growth and prepare them for long-term career success within the organization.
Infographic showing various New Grad Early Career Development Program job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $102,738 per year, or $49.4 per hour.
Early Career Co-Op Program

Early Career Co-Op Program

Cognizant Technology Solutions

Lake Forest, CA • On-site

$20/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Cognizant rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

37th of 57 rated business consultants


Job description

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:
o May 2027 or December 2027, or
o 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.
About Cognizant:
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at cognizant.ai or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation 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.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email [email protected] for roles based in the Americas or [email protected] for roles based in India.

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