Cognizant
Winning Team of The Pathfinder Award
The Pathfinder Award honors the individuals or teams who are boldly expanding the horizon of what’s possible for early career talent. This award recognizes initiatives that help bridge the awareness gap—connecting Gen Z with opportunities they may not have known existed, or may not have realized they were qualified to pursue. Whether through innovative outreach, inclusive programs, or reimagined career pathways, Pathfinder Award recipients are the changemakers ensuring that potential isn’t left on the table simply because someone didn’t know where to look.
The Initiative: Why this Winning Team Stands Out
To be considered for the Pathfinder Award, teams had to describe a standout initiative that helped Gen Z candidates discover what’s possible at their companies. By sharing the goals, execution, and outcomes of their efforts, applicants demonstrated how they’re driving awareness and access to under-the-radar opportunities.
First-Year Explorer Programm
“The Cognizant First Year Explorers Program is a one-day immersive experience designed to help first-year Computer Science, Engineering, and Business students discover career paths within Cognizant. In 2024, we successfully hosted 50 students, providing hands-on learning, mentorship, and exposure to key industry roles. For 2025, we are enhancing the program by incorporating Hidden Gems Spotlight Sessions and a Storytelling Campaign to highlight under-the-radar teams and career journeys. Students will participate in interactive showcases, where professionals from niche teams and internship program supporters share insights into their work. In addition, a peer-led video campaign will feature past interns and young professionals, sharing authentic career experiences and unexpected paths within Cognizant. These additions ensure students gain deeper visibility into roles they might not otherwise explore, while engaging with real employee stories that make career exploration relatable and inspiring. Through these immersive and narrative-driven elements, the 2025 program will better equip early-stage students to visualize their futures and uncover exciting career opportunities within Cognizant.”
Congratulations to Cognizant for placing as the winning team of the Pathfinder Award, part of RippleMatch's 2025 Campus Recruiting Choice Awards!
View all winners by clicking the button below:
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