McKinsey.org Forward Program

About this opportunity

Forward is McKinsey.org's free multi-week learning program for people early in their working life, from career starters to job changers. Applications for the current cohort are open until October 5, 2026. The Core Skills level runs ten weeks at about two hours per week, delivered digitally and virtually: self-paced courses in adaptability and resilience, problem solving, communicating for impact, relationships and well-being, and digital and AI essentials, plus a live Lead Forward webinar with McKinsey experts, reflections and assignments. Finishing it earns a McKinsey.org Forward digital badge and access to the alumni Network level. McKinsey states plainly that Forward is a learning program, not a recruiting pipeline. The program is delivered primarily in English and is available in more than 130 countries, Canada included.

What you get

• Five self-paced courses: adaptability, problem solving, communication, relationships and well-being, digital and AI essentials
• Live Lead Forward webinar with McKinsey experts
• McKinsey.org Forward digital badge on completion
• Access to the alumni Network level for further learning and networking

Who can take part

• Under 5 years' experience

Aimed at people early in their careers: broadly, under five years of work experience, at least a high-school education, resident in one of the 130+ countries where Forward runs, and a good command of English. Confirm the current criteria on the official application page.

Eligibility is copied from the organizer's own published rules — they make the final call. Confirm on the official page before you apply.

Coming later: attendees who leave genuinely useful reviews will earn credits toward paid opportunities. Nothing is being awarded yet — reviews are unpaid and unverified for now.