Thoughtworks University is a one-year program that begins with a 4 week in-person training in Xi’an, China. Participation on-site is required for all trainees. This immersive term is followed by continued structured learning, mentorship and hands-on experience throughout your first year at Thoughtworks.
Since its inception in 2005, more than 4,000 Thoughtworkers have gone through Thoughtworks University, forming lasting connections with colleagues from around the world.
What makes our first-year experience different?
Thoughtworks University (TWU) is where your journey as a Thoughtworker begins. In this video, Jade Daubney, Global Head of First-Year Experience, shares how this immersive program prepares graduates and career changers with the skills, mindset, and hands-on experience to make an impact from day one.
Your first year starts here
A full year of structured learning
Thoughtworks University is a one-year program designed to guide new technologists through a complete learning journey. Beyond the initial training, trainees continue their development through mentorship, guided sessions and real-world client projects, ensuring a smooth transition into consulting and software development.
Immersive, in-person training
The program kicks off with an intensive four week, in-person training in Xi’an. During this immersive term, trainees develop technical skills, consulting expertise and a problem-solving mindset. The experience lays the foundation for their career at Thoughtworks, covering software development, distributed systems, AI and agile methodologies.
After the term in Xi’an, the one-year program continues back in their home.
A global network of support
TWU fosters collaboration with peers, mentors, and industry leaders from around the world. This diverse, international community helps shape trainees into confident, skilled professionals ready to make an impact.
How we get to know you
What to expect during the application process: While the process may vary slightly by region, we follow a structured, candidate-focused approach.
What Thoughtworks University is all about
Blog
Behind the scenes of Thoughtworks University
Join Jade Daubney-Bennett, Global Head of First Year Experience, as she shares what it took to relaunch Thoughtworks University (TWU) in person. From coordinating logistics in India to designing an immersive learning journey for grads and career changers, this behind-the-scenes story reveals the people, energy and purpose that make TWU unforgettable.
Blog
Understanding the recruitment process for Thoughtworks University
Curious about what it takes to join Thoughtworks through TWU? This blog gives you an inside look at our unique recruitment process, from the first conversation to final interviews. Whether you're applying or just exploring, you'll get practical tips, a clear breakdown of each step and a sense of how we hire with purpose, collaboration and potential in mind.
Blog
Thoughtworks University, an immersive journey
Get a closer look at Ana Boyero’s three week journey through Thoughtworks University in Romania. In this blog, she shares what it’s like to join TWU, from hands-on technical learning and agile teamwork to cultural experiences and preparing for her first client project. A candid reflection on growth, community and the start of her career as a Thoughtworker.
Meet our TWU alumni
Shweta Nayak
Europe Head of Operational Excellence - UK
TWU class of 2009 (Cohort 14)
Shweta started her journey with TWU in 2009. She quickly discovered the power of global collaboration, intense learning and meaningful connections. Later, as a TWU trainer, she found the clarity and courage to transition from development into leadership roles. That experience taught her she didn’t need to fit a mold—she could define her own path. TWU gave her the resilience and belief to say yes to bold opportunities and shape the leader she is today.
Johann Gomes
Tech Principal - Brazil
TWU class of 2015 (Cohort 45)
Johann’s experience at TWU in 2015 shaped much of who he is as a professional today. It taught him that mastering technology goes hand-in-hand with learning to listen, adapt and collaborate across cultures and backgrounds. He discovered the value of empathy, iteration and co-creating solutions — not just to solve problems, but to grow through them. At Thoughtworks, teamwork meant building trust and celebrating differences. a foundation that continues to define how he leads and delivers excellence in tech.
Lais Gomes
Tech Lead - Brazil
TWU class of 2018 (Cohort 60)
Lais joined TWU in 2018 as part of Cohort 60, one of the early cohorts in China. From the start, she embraced the opportunity to grow, learn and connect across cultures. That experience helped shape her technical mindset and leadership journey. Today, she holds multiple roles at Thoughtworks, as Lead Consultant, Account Technical Principal, Tech Lead, and Engineering Manager, demonstrating how the foundation built at TWU continues to influence her career.
Barosch Demir
Tech Lead – Germany
TWU class of 2019 (Cohort 66)
For Barosch, joining TWU in 2019 marked the beginning of a transformative journey. During those weeks in Xi’an, China, he uncovered the core traits that would shape his path as a teammate, engineer and leader. The lessons from TWU quickly translated into his day-to-day work, allowing him to sharpen his skills while contributing to real teams. Working with peers from across the globe, he experienced firsthand the strength of diverse perspectives—something he continues to carry into every role he steps into.
Andreas Klumpp
Senior Consultant Developer – Germany
TWU class of 2021 (Cohort 72)
Andreas joined TWU remotely in 2021 as part of Cohort 72. The experience gave him a clear understanding of what a well-structured project should look like, highlighting the value of sensible defaults and how to apply them effectively. TWU became a benchmark for his future work, something he continues to reference to assess and improve ongoing projects. Right after TWU, he was able to bring a fresh perspective to his team, identifying key areas for improvement and driving meaningful change from day one.
Frequently asked questions
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Thoughtworks University (TWU) is an immersive in-person training program designed for graduates and career changers. It equips trainees with the technical skills, consulting mindset, and real-world experience needed to succeed in the tech industry. TWU is the first step in a year-long journey of learning, mentorship, and hands-on client work at Thoughtworks.
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No. Thoughtworks welcomes candidates from all academic backgrounds. You do not need a Computer Science degree or prior experience in tech to apply. If you're applying for a software developer role, you should have working knowledge of at least one object-oriented programming language. For non-developer roles, other relevant technical skill sets will be assessed. Even if you're making a complete career change with no formal experience, you're encouraged to apply.
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Yes. Candidates with up to 12 months of relevant tech industry experience are eligible to apply for Thoughtworks University.
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To join Thoughtworks University, you must first apply for a graduate-level role on Thoughtworks’ careers page, be contacted by a recruiter, or be referred by another Thoughtworker. If you successfully complete the hiring process, you will automatically be enrolled in TWU as part of your onboarding, whether you are a recent graduate or a career changer.
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Recruitment for Thoughtworks University happens on a seasonal basis and varies by country, depending on hiring needs. We encourage interested candidates to check our careers page regularly or sign up for our careers newsletter, Access Thoughtworks, to stay informed about upcoming opportunities.
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No. TWU is fully covered by Thoughtworks as part of your onboarding and training. Thoughtworks provides, flights and accommodation for the in-person training, transportation between the hotel and office, meals during the program. Candidates, however, are responsible for their own travel documents, such as passports or vaccinations.
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Thoughtworks will facilitate the visa application process and provide necessary documentation. However, it is the trainee’s responsibility to follow the required steps and ensure that all paperwork is completed on time.
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To ensure a smooth experience, you should bring: the laptop provided by Thoughtworks (which you’ll receive from your local office before traveling to China), necessary accessories and power adapters, required travel documents (including your visa), comfortable clothing suited to the training and local climate and any personal essentials you may need for an extended stay, such as medications.
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Since the entire program is conducted in English, you’ll need an intermediate to advanced level of proficiency in both written and spoken English. This ensures that you can fully engage with the training, collaborate with your peers, and thrive in a global learning environment.
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No, once you complete the program, you will return to the country where you were hired. Thoughtworks University is designed to prepare you for your role within your home region, where you’ll continue to grow as a Thoughtworker and contribute to impactful projects. The program spans a full year, with continuous development beyond the initial training.
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After the initial in-person training, participants return to their home regions to join a client project. TWU continues with structured monthly learning sessions throughout the first year to support ongoing development, making it a comprehensive year-long experience.
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No. While TWU covers technical learning, it is also designed to develop consulting skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities. Participants work in a collaborative environment that mirrors real client engagements.
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Yes. When you are hired as a graduate consultant, you join Thoughtworks as a full-time employee. Like most roles, there is an initial probation period, after which you receive a permanent contract.
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Thoughtworks collaborates with clients across various industries. Your project assignment will depend on business needs, client engagements and your skill set. More information on Thoughtworks’ client work is available here.