AI-First Business & Data Analyst

Cognizant; Carson City (NV); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a proactive Business & Data Analyst to join the IOA practice. You will analyze business processes and operational data, leveraging AI tools and BI platforms to deliver actionable insights and strategic recommendations for enterprise clients.

Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential as you will prepare executive-ready presentations and support AI-enabled transformation initiatives across multiple client engagements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or related field with strong data analytics foundation.
• Proficiency in Excel; familiarity with Power BI or SQL advantageous.
• Hands-on experience using AI tools (ChatGPT, Copilot, Claude, etc.) for projects.
• Strong written and verbal communication; ability to present insights clearly.

Responsibilities

• Analyze business processes and data to identify improvement opportunities.
• Use AI tools daily to speed research, analysis, and documentation.
• Perform data analysis with Excel, Power BI, SQL to generate actionable insights.
• Build prompts and refine AI-assisted work quality.
• Support design and adoption of AI solutions by documenting requirements and outcomes.
• Prepare executive-ready reports and recommendations for clients.

Skills

Excel

Power BI

SQL

AI tools

Data analysis

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

SQL

Power BI

Copilot Studio

Python

Job description

Position Overview

Cognizant is seeking a highly skills and innovative Business & Data Analyst to join our Intuitive Operations and Automation (IOA) practice. We are a leading AI-powered BPO and Intelligent Automation Practice combining deep industry expertise, process innovation, advanced AI and human ingenuity to help clients—from large digital disruptors to leading global enterprises—drive efficiency, grow existing and new revenue streams and power the next generation of operations. We’re shifting the industry from cost takeout to driving revenue growth, and from traditional outsourcing to AI-powered reinvention of the enterprise. We drive outcomes through autonomous, adaptive operations that are powered by agentic AI and built for business impact.

What you’ll learn

• Hands-on training in AI-powered business analysis and consulting methodology.
• Exposure to enterprise clients and real-world business problems from day one.
• Mentorship from senior consultants as you build client-facing and technical skills.

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.

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

Location

New hires will be hired to Cognizant offices and/or client locations in Chicago, IL or Teaneck, NJ where you will work alongside other experienced Cognizant associates delivering technology solutions. Applicants must be willing to relocate to one of these major geographic areas. While we attempt to honor candidate location preferences, business need and position availability will determine final location assignment.

Start Date

Consultants will start in October/November 2026 or January/February 2027 . Exact start dates will be communicated with enough time for you to plan effectively.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.