Job Description

Hcm Associate Consultant

Cognizant Workday practice is recruiting for upcoming graduates who are looking for an exciting, entry level consulting opportunity starting in the summer of 2026. We proudly partner with Workday, one of the leading cloud-based software solutions for HR, finance and payroll management. As an HCM Associate Consultant at Cognizant Workday practice, you will be part of a project team working with customers to get the most out of their Workday HCM implementation.

Our HCM Associate Consultant position is best suited for self-starters who are eager to work with exciting, Fortune 500 companies and dive headfirst into all phases of Workday system implementations. We provide world-class, classroom, virtual and on-the-job training, an incredibly supportive network of mentors. Join our dedicated team of experienced Workday implementation professionals and become part of our dynamic, fast-paced, HR transformation consulting practice.

Responsibilities:

• Become a Workday champion and partner closely with your team and customers to achieve excellence in each phase of your projects.
• Assist the Lead Consultant(s) in gathering business requirements, designing and prototyping, testing and implementing business solutions.
• Participate in Workday HCM implementation activities including discovery, architect, configuration, documentation, testing, and project review sessions
• Configure the system to the customers' expectations and requirements.
• Master the art of "follow through". Frequently update your project Lead and Engagement Manager on timeline, tasks, risks, roles & responsibilities, etc.
• Proactively keep yourself abreast of Workday updates and project changes. Seek out opportunities to further your skillset and professional growth. We love initiative!

Skills and Requirements:

• Up to 1 year of work experience in a professional environment preferred
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Human Resources, Human Resources Management, HRIS, Business Administration/Management, or related field
• Passion for exceptional customer service
• Strong communication, presentation and analytical skills, with the ability to effectively manage customer expectations
• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint
• Travel to customer site, when needed.

Why Choose Cognizant Workday Practice?

• Flexible work schedules, and options to work remotely or out of one of 5 office locations to cultivate personal and professional balance
• Competitive benefits including 401(k) matching program, Medical, Dental, Life, and Vison insurance, and perk benefits such as commuter plans and pet insurance
• Inclusive benefits that support mental health, gender affirmation journeys, caregiving and all paths to parenthood, excellent paid parental leave programs
• Established Employee Resources Groups (ERG's) that provide a safe space for employees to build relationships, connect, and develop initiatives to enhance diversity and inclusion
• Open, transparent lines of communication with leadership through Town Halls, internal newsletters, and monthly small group conversations with a member of the executive team
• Committed to giving back to improve our communities and environmental impact
• Opportunities for learning and development through established corporate programs, on and off-site trainings, and on-demand online learning courses
• A people development focused environment where you have autonomy to drive your career path

Who You Are:

• You have a Growth Mindset: A belief that abilities can be developed along with a desire to be curious, learn & grow
• You take Initiative: Solve problems by thinking & taking action on solutions rather than waiting for direction
• You take Accountability: Follow through on commitments, take ownership & ensure timeliness
• You Give Back: Leverage your knowledge & expertise to make improvements around you
• You are Resilient: Work through challenges with optimism, agility & adaptability
• You demonstrate Awareness: An ability to understand how your attitudes & actions impact others and adapt your approach accordingly

Salary and Other Compensation

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

The annual salary is $75,000.00, 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.

Location

New hires will be aligned to the Cognizant office in Plano, TX, where you will work alongside other experienced Cognizant associates. Applicants must be willing to relocate to this major geographic area.

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.

Disclaimer:

Compensation 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.

Cognizant is always looking for top talent. We are searching for candidates to fill future needs within the business. This job posting represents potential future employment opportunities with Cognizant. Although the position is not currently available, we want to provide you with the opportunity to express your interest in future employment opportunities with Cognizant. If a job opportunity that you may be qualified for becomes available in the future, we will notify you. At that time you can determine whether you would like to apply for the specific open position. Thank you for your interest in Cognizant career opportunities.

The chance to work with impact. Here, you're empowered to bring your biggest thinking to help our company and clients improve everyday life.

Ownership over your career. Stay at the top of your game through our award-winning learning and development ecosystem. And when your ambitions change or we offer new opportunities, we help you pivot by providing reskilling, on-the-job learning and guidance to find new roles that might be a better fit.

The opportunity to thrive on a high caliber team with heart. We celebrate each other's experiences and perspectives and promote a sense of belonging through our affinity groups and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

A comprehensive total rewards package, including a competitive salary and a pension plan with matching contributions.

Flexible health and financial benefits to support you and your eligible dependentsfrom day one.

True work-life balance. Be at your best through paid time off, flexible work arrangements, volunteering opportunities, social events, and so much more.

Cognizant is one of the world's leading professional services companies, transforming clients' business, operating, and technology models for the digital era. Our unique industry-based, consultative approach helps clients envision, build, and run more innovative and efficient businesses. Headquartered in the U.S., Cognizant (a member of the NASDAQ-100 and one of Forbes World's Best Employers 2025) is consistently listed among the most admired companies in the world.

Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, provincial or local laws.

If you have a disability that requires reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or submit an application, please email CareersNA2@cognizant.com with your request and contact information.

Language requirements vary depending on roles, but we ask that all candidates have basic English proficiency for company-wide communications purposes. For roles based in Quebec, professional English proficiency is required, as you'll deliver services to and collaborate with stakeholders outside the province who may not speak French.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs