Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) has been named one of America's Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level 2026 by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. This prestigious recognition is based on a comprehensive national survey and extensive research that evaluates how effectively companies create supportive, growth-focused environments for employees at the start of their careers.
Commitment to Early-Career Talent
Kathy Diaz, Chief People Officer at Cognizant, emphasized the company's dedication: "This award reflects our commitment to creating an environment where early-career talent can build the skills, confidence, and career experience they need to succeed in the age of AI. Through our student and new graduate programs and hiring commitments, we provide clear pathways to enter the workforce, gain hands-on experience, and build the skills that will propel them for long-term career growth."
Workforce Development Programs
Cognizant operates an award-winning workforce development program designed to support early-career individuals as they transition into full-time employment. This model focuses on investing in students early and often while creating durable career pathways for U.S. workers. The company is actively hiring 2,000 entry-level associates across North America by the end of 2026.
Key initiatives include:
- Fusion Internship Program: Provides practical experience and mentorship.
- Synapse Skilling Initiative: Focuses on skill development and career readiness.
How the Recognition Was Determined
The America's Greatest Workplaces for Entry Level 2026 recognition results from a thorough assessment by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group. The evaluation involved:
- Publicly available data and desk research
- Interviews with entry-level professionals
- A large-scale nationwide survey of entry-level employees at U.S. companies
The study assessed employers across categories most meaningful to early-career professionals, including work-life balance, corporate culture, and career progression. With over 610,000 company reviews collected in 2025 and 75,000 interviews from previous studies, this survey ranks among the largest independent evaluations of the entry-level workforce in the United States.
Jennifer Cunningham, Editor-in-Chief of Newsweek, highlighted the significance: "In a rapidly evolving job market, today's young professionals are prioritizing purpose and professional development over a simple paycheck. Recognizing the organizations that go above and beyond to cultivate this next generation of talent, Newsweek and Plant-A Insights are proud to unveil America's Best Workplaces for Entry Level 2026. This year's list serves as a benchmark for excellence, identifying the top U.S. employers dedicated to launching the careers of the next generation with integrity and support."
About Cognizant
Cognizant (NASDAQ: CTSH) is an AI builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by developing full-stack AI solutions for clients. Their deep industry, process, and engineering expertise enable them to integrate an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns, and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world.
For more information on Cognizant's commitment to associates' careers and wellbeing, visit Cognizant Careers.
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