From dreams to degrees: Making higher education accessible for professionals

For many working professionals, the dream of higher education often clashes with competing priorities. But at Cognizant, we believe in fueling our associates' ambitions and empowering them to reach their career goals. 

That’s why we launched the Cognizant Integrated Higher Education Program (CIHEP) which enables our associates in India to earn a Master of Technology in high-demand fields such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, robotics, and data science – without taking a career break.

Through partnerships with leading institutions, CIHEP offers a work-integrated learning model, blending virtual classes with real-world projects. Cognizant also supports learners with financial assistance options, helping them reach their educational goals while staying professionally agile. 

Meet a few Cognizant associates who turned their dreams into degrees through CIHEP.

Priyanka Hundalekar, Generative AI Developer 

I always wanted to pursue a degree in data science, but I never thought I’d be able to do it without stepping away from work. CIHEP made that possible. The program gave me the flexibility to learn while continuing to grow in my role and solve real-world problems. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my academic goals align so nicely with my professional journey.

Gurpreet Sachdeva, Associate Director of IoT CoE

I enrolled in CIHEP to explore robotics and mobility systems – areas I’ve always been passionate about. The curriculum is rigorous but highly relevant, and I’ve already started applying what I’ve learned to real-world projects. It’s exciting to be at the forefront of innovation while still growing at Cognizant.

Vinaya Harish, Engineering Director

After more than ten years in data development, I wanted to deepen my expertise and move toward more specialized roles. CIHEP arrived at the perfect time in my journey. The program’s methodology – combining theory with real-world application – helped me sharpen my skills in data science and AI. But it’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about transforming how I think and work. I now feel confident stepping into roles that demand high technical depth and strategic thinking.

Prashant Gunjal, Technical Lead

CIHEP not only gave me access to the latest thinking in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), but it also offered financial support that made it viable. I now use my learnings to build immersive solutions and drive innovation in my team. Looking ahead, I’m excited to explore the Metaverse and contribute to building the next wave of digital experiences. 

No matter where they are in their careers, we’re here to help our associates grow, learn and reach new career milestones. See how we support our people through our award-winning learning and development programs.