TCS, University of Cincinnati Launch ‘My First AI Job’ Program to Build Entry-Level Talent Pipeline
The programme is designed to equip final-year students with industry-relevant AI skills through a three-month curriculum that combines technical training, communication skills, and employability development.
Three-month training, certifications, and paid co-op aim to bridge gap between academia and industry
Cincinnati/Mumbai: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) has partnered with the University of Cincinnati and Salesforce to launch a new skills initiative, “My First AI Job,” aimed at preparing students for entry-level careers in artificial intelligence.
The programme is designed to equip final-year students with industry-relevant AI skills through a three-month curriculum that combines technical training, communication skills, and employability development. Participants will gain hands-on experience, mentorship, global certifications, and paid work opportunities, with a pathway to full-time roles at TCS upon graduation.
The initiative seeks to address the widening gap between academic learning and workforce readiness, as companies increasingly expect graduates to possess practical, job-ready AI capabilities from day one.
Amit Bajaj, President – North America at TCS, said the programme aligns with the company’s ambition to become a leading AI-led technology services provider while building a strong local talent pipeline in the United States. He added that the initiative will help U.S. enterprises enhance innovation and competitiveness by creating a workforce equipped with in-demand AI skills.
The collaboration will also develop a specialised certification curriculum focused on Salesforce technologies, enabling students to participate in structured co-op programmes that combine academic learning with real-world experience at TCS.
Hazem Said, Director at the University of Cincinnati’s School of Information Technology, said the programme represents a new model of industry-academia collaboration that prepares students for immediate contribution in AI-driven roles.
Meredith Nabavi of Salesforce said the partnership will help build an industry-ready workforce while accelerating client outcomes and supporting the career growth of graduates.
The programme forms part of TCS’ broader strategy to invest in local talent and expand its AI and Salesforce capabilities in North America. The company recently inaugurated a Salesforce Center of Excellence at its Global Delivery Center in Milford, Ohio, and has strengthened its presence in the ecosystem through acquisitions such as Coastal Cloud and ListEngage.
The initiative underscores a growing trend among global technology firms to embed practical training, certification, and employment pathways into academic programmes, as demand for AI-skilled talent continues to surge.
