Why did you choose the Cognizant Graduate Program, and what’s the best thing about being a grad here?
Coming out of my studies in Computer Science I knew that there was still so much to learn about the professional world, I knew it wouldn’t be the same as university study. The focus on learning, teaching and growing as a grad in the Cognizant Graduate Program is why I chose to go with Cognizant’s program. I wanted to go somewhere I could continue to learn and prepare myself for the future.
The best thing about being a grad here is how accepting and welcoming everyone is. Before I thought I would only interact with a small circle of the business, but I have had multiple opportunities to talk and interact with people from all over the business making my time much more enjoyable.
Tell us about your day-to-day experience with the people, projects and learning resources at Cognizant.
Regardless of whether being on a project or simply learning, most days had a standup to understand what people are working on or what people are learning. As I was hired with a few other graduates, we collaborate a lot, and share resources we find on the internet and on sites like Udemy that Cognizant provides us.
Going into the office, we not only get the time to talk amongst each other but also interact with other people. Cognizant has been able to support me through programs such as a hackathon where I have been able to interact with people I would not normally and expand my knowledge and experience even more.
How has Cognizant influenced your goals and aspirations for the future?
I have been able to experience and learn many different technologies in my time so far at Cognizant. Every day I become more confident about the direction my IT career is heading, And I am learning more about my strengths and where I need to improve. With the support and encouragement around me, I believe I can achieve the goals I set for myself.
Can you tell us what sort of things you’re looking for in a job and workplace?
For me, culture is very important. The ability to talk to anyone you see in the office and enjoy after-hours events, are some of the things that make you feel good about working somewhere and make you feel happy about it too.
Secondly, what the business is striving for. Is it something I am interested in or is it a push for something? I joined Cognizant as I believed in their aim to bring older technologies to the modern age and aim for a better tomorrow.
What qualities do you think are important for success at Cognizant and in the tech industry?
Adaptability is one of the most important for me, especially early in my career. You will want to, experience many different scenarios, code languages, technologies and more, and if you aren’t ready to adapt to what’s given to you, you’ll be left behind. And in your career, it is hard to tell where you will fit best, so being able to move around and fill many roles is helpful.
What’s your advice for university students who are exploring future opportunities in the Technology and Consulting space?
Put yourself out there, doesn’t matter what you’re doing, do something. Get experience, learn from mistakes and failures, and use it all to get better. In terms of the technology space, it’s evolving all the time, get ready to try different things, learn new things and much more. And in general, again, find something you are passionate about, it will make you work harder, and enjoy what you are doing.