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Managed Care Leadership
Development Program (MCLDP)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The 2022-2023 recruiting season for this program is happening now! You can also visit our events page to see if we'll be on your campus (virtually and/or in person) this fall. Want to learn about Cigna's COVID-19 vaccine policy? Click here.
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Cigna Managed Care Leadership Development Program associates at an event in Nashville
Are you passionate about changing the health care landscape? Then our Managed Care Leadership Development Program (MCLDP) could be a perfect fit. This program is designed to develop future leaders in the health care space, tackling projects that shape the strategy and development of our Government Business Segment (GBS). In fact, after graduating from this program, all of our associates move on to full-time roles at Cigna.

Why you'll love this program:
  • Work on business-critical projects across functions and business areas
  • Customize your development experience
  • Take classes and trainings on topics in health care, leadership, and business skills
  • Engage with executives from across the global enterprise in a MCLDP-only speaker series
  • Grow with a mentorship program and dedicated career coaching
  • Join a robust and active MCLDP alumni network
Apply for a full-time MCLDP role
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Recruiting dates:
Applications for this program open in August and are accepted until late September.
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Program timeframe:
Program lasts for 2 years, and we provide transitional support during your third year.
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Locations:
Atlanta, Georgia
Charlotte, North Carolina
Chicago, Illinois
​​​​​​​Nashville, Tennessee
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Phoenix, Arizona
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Candidates who are not local to these cities must be willing to relocate.
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Who we hire:
Candidates with a Bachelor's and/or Master's degree; the program is designed for applicants who have either (1) graduated from college or (2) been discharged from the military, within the last 2 years.

Preferred backgrounds include Business, Health Care, Life Sciences, or Data Science.

If your background and/or education doesn't reflect your interest in business or health care, we recommend including a cover letter with your application explaining why you'd be a good fit for the Managed Care Leadership Development Program.
Cigna MCLDP associates posing for a group photo
MCLDP associates posing in front of the Cigna logo
MCLDP associates posing at a team event

Program Structure:

Associates begin the program as generalists, completing high-visibility, business-critical rotations that teach foundational knowledge about the business and the managed care space. After one year of generalist learning, associates “pick a major” and choose a specialized career track based on personal preference, business need, and their own professional development plan. After their second year, associates graduate the program into a full-time position within their career track. For one year after graduation from the program, recent program alumni will continue to receive support, guidance, and coaching from the MCLDP program manager.

Specialization tracks:
  • Medicare Advantage and Care Allies
  • Network Contracting
  • Risk Adjustment
  • Sale
  • Other Governments Lines of Business, such as Individual and Family Plans


Examples of projects available in different rotations:

Pharmacy Operations


Manage efforts aligned with the post-merger integration of pharmacy benefit manager, Express Scripts.

Texas Market Network Operations 


Consult for physician practices to identify opportunities for growth through competitive analysis, project management, and reporting.

Cigna Medicare Service Operations


Design and implement a pilot version of a customer service staffing model. Manage the team of new hires and measure results.

Strategy Execution 


Act as Chief of Staff for the VP of Solutions Strategy & Delivery and develop a governance process across multiple work streams.

Health Services Analytics


Analyze data to determine the effectiveness of clinical programs and build a dashboard to visualize the data.


​​​​​​​Take it from them...
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Blake A., Director of Business Development
"The Managed Care Leadership Development Program (MCLDP) provided me the opportunity to work on challenging projects that added value to the business. Throughout my rotations, I was able to gain broad health care knowledge and project management experience. Additionally, the program provided access to a network of mentors and business leaders that have assisted in my career development and success in subsequent roles. The MCLDP enabled me to accelerate my development, and I attribute that to the opportunities the program afforded me."
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Charlotte C., Product Management Advisor

 "As a Managed Care Leadership Development Program associate, I gained a large amount of knowledge and experience in business operations within a short period of time. After the program, I moved into a virtual role on the newly developed National Health Services Clinical Programs team. Having had such an incredible experience as an associate, stepping into unchartered territory was an excellent opportunity to tap into the skills gained during the program to help establish our team. What makes the MCLDP outstanding is the support system and network of colleagues deeply invested in my success. I cannot think of a better way to have started my career in the health care industry."
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Abram E., Business Analytics Advisor
The Managed Care Leadership Development Program has provided me a wide breadth of knowledge and opportunity that I believe would be impossible in other early career paths. Rotating through 3 different key business areas means 3x the learning, 3x the problem-solving, and 3x the relationships. The program allowed me to see the big picture of the organization and has given its associates a competitive edge in their various career paths post-program. While it is true that your various rotations will give you a lexicon of new skills, I believe the best asset gained is the network of talented and dedicated individuals with whom you will work and grow professionally.”
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Ashley G., Strategic Planning Advisor

 "I choose the MCLDP because I knew I wanted to be a leader in health care but did not know just where that was. In ‘figuring out what you want to do when you grow up’ you need to first find out what is out there! Throughout the journey, it is critical to have guidance, support, and resources to ensure you are headed down a purposeful path. The MCLDP provided me with a wide breadth of experiences and invaluable relationships with leaders who continue to lead me closer and closer each day to discovering my purpose and shaping my career."