AI-Driven Business & Data Analyst

Cognizant; City of Albany (NY); On-site; USD 68,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a Business & Data Analyst to join its IOA practice in the United States. You will analyze business processes, utilize AI tools daily, and turn data into actionable insights across client engagements.

The role emphasizes training, mentorship, and exposure to enterprise problems, with start windows in Oct/Nov 2026 or Jan/Feb 2027, and offices in Chicago, IL or Teaneck, NJ. Relocation may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Finance, or related field (recent grads welcome).
• Familiarity with Excel required; exposure to Power BI or SQL is a plus.
• Nice‑to‑have: Exposure to Python, Copilot Studio, or automation tools.
• Hands‑on experience using AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, Gemini, etc.) for schoolwork or projects.
• Ability to grasp business needs and assess impacts to complex business operations and systems.
• Ability to work creatively and analytically in a problem‑solving environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Proven capabilities in teamwork and leadership.
• Strong interest in technology and digital modernization.
• Self‑motivated.

Responsibilities

• Analyze business processes, requirements, and operational data to identify improvement opportunities and support strategic decision‑making.
• Use AI tools like Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Gemini, ChatGPT, and Codex daily to speed up research, analysis, and documentation.
• Perform data analysis using Excel, Power BI, SQL, and other analytics tools to generate actionable business insights.
• Build and refine prompts to improve the quality and consistency of AI‑assisted work.
• Support the design and adoption of Agentic AI solutions by identifying use cases, documenting requirements, and validating business outcomes.
• Prepare executive‑ready presentations, reports, process maps, and business recommendations for clients and stakeholders.
• Bring strong analytical thinking, curiosity, and a willingness to learn new AI tools and business trends.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Teamwork

Communication

Self-motivated

Problem-solving

Curiosity

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, Computer Science, Information Systems, Data Science, Finance, or related field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

SQL

Python

Copilot Studio

Automation tools

Job description

Cognizant is seeking a Business & Data Analyst to join its IOA practice in the United States. You will analyze business processes, utilize AI tools daily, and turn data into actionable insights across client engagements.

The role emphasizes training, mentorship, and exposure to enterprise problems, with start windows in Oct/Nov 2026 or Jan/Feb 2027, and offices in Chicago, IL or Teaneck, NJ. Relocation may be required.