NextGen Academy Northwest Arkansas

Ignite your career with Rocket Software

NextGen

Ready to launch your tech career? The NextGen Academy awaits!

Rocket Software’s NextGen Academy prepares participants for careers in enterprise software development, equipping them with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a global technology company. 

At Rocket Software, we support our customers across their IT modernization journeys whether they're operating on mainframe, IBM i, MultiValue (MV) or hybrid cloud environments. 

Graduates of the Academy will be considered for roles such as: 

  • Software Developer 
  • Software Tester 
  • Technical Support Specialist 
  • Information Developers (Technical Writers) 

Participants may join teams working across mainframe and other enterprise technology platforms - contributing to a diverse range of product suites. 

Open positions

Currently, all applications for the 2025 US Academy are closed.

However, we are always looking for new talent to join our team. Check out our careers page to learn more.

Careers at Rocket Software
Students and teacher in a nextgen academy class

At the academy, you'll get

  • Structured training: Kick off with 6 month program of in-depth technical learning to gain the skills you need to excel.
  • Immediate contribution: Work alongside experienced engineers on live projects that shape the future.
  • Future growth: Upon completing your initial 6 months of training, you'll have the opportunity for full-time role at our new Northwest Arkansas location

Applicants should posses

  • Academic excellence: engineering-related degree (e.g. bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology or related field) .
  • Passion for coding: A genuine enthusiasm for programming and a desire to learn new technologies.
  • Innovative mindset: Motivation, curiosity, and readiness to embrace challenges head-on.

If you’re excited about coding, teamwork, and exploring new technologies, apply now to start your adventure with us!

graduation ceremony

Hear from our recent graduates 

Erin Erturan

My favorite thing about the culture is how we all support each other. This was true from the very beginning, when we spent time in a number of different teams, learning from great engineers. We like to have fun, too—our Hack week is definitely a highlight!"

Erin Erturan NextGen Academy graduate
Marta Miret Badia

The first month of in-person induction for the COBOL allowed me to meet and build strong bonds with the rest of the grads, friendships that are still maintained today. Working in small teams on different assignments gave us the chance to share knowledge and learn from one another, creating a highly collaborative and supportive environment."

Marta Miret Badia NextGen Academy graduate
Ryan Skelton

What I enjoy most so far about working here is the people and the complexity of Rocket Software’s offerings, which I like working on.
I’ve met a wide range of brilliant people, and understanding their culture, environment, and work-life balance really mirrors the company’s core values, which is great to see."

Ryan Skelton NextGen Academy graduate
Image of Adrijanas Maciunas

The experience was great! Not only did I get to meet like-minded people, but I also got to learn from experts from all over the world. What really surprised me was how friendly and welcoming everyone was, which made me feel included and really showed what the company stands for."

Adrijanas Maciunas NextGen Academy graduate