AI-First Business & Data Analyst

Cognizant; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Cognizant is seeking a highly skilled Business & Data Analyst to join our IOA practice, delivering AI-powered insights and data-driven recommendations for enterprise clients. You'll work on analyzing processes, building dashboards with Power BI and SQL, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to drive automation and business impact across Chicago, IL or Teaneck, NJ client engagements.

This role offers hands-on training in AI-powered analysis, mentorship from senior consultants, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a related field.
• Familiarity with Excel required; exposure to Power BI or SQL is a plus.
• Hands‑on experience using AI tools for projects.

Responsibilities

• Analyze business processes, requirements, and data to identify improvements.
• Use AI tools daily to speed research, analysis, and documentation.
• Perform data analysis with Excel, Power BI, SQL, and other analytics tools to generate insights.
• Build and refine prompts to improve AI-assisted work quality.
• Support design and adoption of Agentic AI solutions by documenting requirements and validating outcomes.
• Prepare executive-ready presentations, reports, and process maps for clients.

Skills

Excel familiarity

Power BI

SQL

Python exposure

Strong communication

Teamwork & leadership

Education

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

Tools

Copilot Studio

AI tools (ChatGPT/Claude/Gemini)

Microsoft Copilot

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.