AI-First Business & Data Analyst

Cognizant; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance

Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off

401(k) plan and contributions

Long-term/Short-term Disability

Paid Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a highly skilled Business & Data Analyst to join its Intuitive Operations and Automation (IOA) practice. You will analyze processes, leverage AI-powered tools, and work with enterprise clients to drive efficiency and new revenue streams.

The role emphasizes hands-on analytics with Excel, Power BI, SQL, and AI platforms, plus developing prompts and executive-ready recommendations. It offers mentorship and exposure to real-world problems from day one.

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

Excel

Power BI

SQL

Python

AI tools

Team leadership

Communication

Critical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics, CS, IS, Data Science, Finance, or related field

Tools

Copilot Studio

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

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

Salary and Other Compensation:

The annual salary for this position is $80,000 depending on experience and other qualifications of the successful candidate. This position is also eligible for Cognizant’s discretionary annual incentive program, based on performance and subject to the terms of Cognizant’s applicable plans.

Why Choose Us?

Cognizant delivers solutions that draw upon the full power and scale of our associates. You will be supported by high-caliber experts and employ some of the most advanced and patented capabilities. Our associate’s diverse backgrounds offer multifaceted perspectives and fuel new ways of thinking. We encourage lively discussions which inspire better results for our clients.

Benefits

Cognizant offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

• Medical/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance




• Paid holidays plus Paid Time Off




• 401(k) plan and contributions




• Long-term/Short-term Disability




• Paid Parental Leave




• Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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 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.