McKinsey Forward Learning Program

Join the Forward learning program to develop new ways of thinking, expand your skill set, and boost your confidence.

Forward, offered by McKinsey, is a free online learning journey developed to equip individuals at different stages of their working life with practical skills to succeed in the future of work. It focuses on critical workplace skills that are relevant and transferable across industries and roles. Forward is available in more than 100 countries globally.

Forward taught me how to take meaningful and practical steps to create impact in my career. From online modules that transform how you think to opportunities for meeting new people, the program has been truly amazing.

Itohan, Forward alum

OUR PROGRAM

Forward is a 10-week learning program delivered in a digital and virtual format. It begins with building foundational career skills through online courses, case scenarios, and interactive learning events. You will ultimately be able to develop new behaviors through ongoing reflection and application. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a McKinsey Forward digital badge and join an exclusive global network of life-long learners.

Core Skills level

Ten weeks, about 2 hours per week

Develop practical, must-have skills through highly interactive, self-paced digital courses. You will explore adaptability, effective communication, relationship building, problem-solving, and how to navigate a modern digital world. Start seeing your newfound skills come to life through reflections, virtual learning events, and assignments.

Network level 

Ongoing

Join a vibrant global network of lifelong learners who completed the program and get exclusive access to further learning and networking activities. You can also get involved and pay it forward through different volunteering opportunities.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

Whether you are in the early days of your career or navigating a new opportunity, the Forward learning journey will help you develop new ways of thinking, expand your skill set, and boost your confidence.

At the end of the program, you will receive a McKinsey Forward digital badge and join an exclusive global network of lifelong learners.

Interactive learning journey

• Variety of formats: digital courses, virtual-learning events, assignments, and reflection exercises
• Dedicating about two hours a week over ten weeks

Workplace skills you can use immediately

Gain the skills and tools to do the following:

• Turn business problems into opportunities by using structured and creative thinking.
• Communicate in a clear and impactful way that makes your audience take action.
• Be adaptable and build emotional awareness for working in a team or alone, especially in times of change.
• Build strong relationships and maintain your well-being at work.
• Develop your digital tool kit and plan to navigate the modern digital world.

Eligibility criteria

To access Forward, you must meet the following criteria:

• currently reside on the African continent (all countries)
• are currently employed, self-employed, or between jobs
• have less than five years of total work experience
  or
  have more than five years of work experience but have never been responsible for directly managing any colleagues
• completed at least a secondary education / high school degree
• have a good command of the English language (the program will be conducted in English)

FAQ

In which countries is Forward available?

The Forward program is available to eligible individuals residing in the following locations:

• the African continent (all countries)
• the Middle East (currently, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen) and Pakistan
• Türkiye and Azerbaijan
• the United States (currently, through nonprofit partners only)
• Europe (currently, Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Ukraine)

If you are based in one of these areas, please visit the relevant page under the “Locations” menu on the Forward website to apply. This website will be updated as new countries are offered through the program.

For a range of reasons, we are currently only offering the program to individuals in these countries. Participants who misrepresent their country of residence during the application process will unfortunately be unenrolled from the program.

Do I have to pay to participate in Forward?

No, Forward is free for eligible participants as part of McKinsey’s social responsibility commitment. There are no fees to apply, register, or partake in any of the two levels, provided you are eligible.

Participants will use their own internet-connected device and internet access, as the program is delivered online.

How do I apply? When is the deadline?

Applications for the McKinsey Forward program are now open in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan, Türkiye and Azerbaijan until May 14. You can apply using this online application form.

Can I apply to Forward if I’m still in school or if I’m currently unemployed and looking for work?

The Forward program and its learning content are designed to be best suited for individuals who have completed at least a secondary education and have up to five years or more than 5 years of work experience but have not been responsible at any point for directly managing any colleagues. Internships and apprenticeships are considered as work experience.

If you are studying full-time but you do not have any work experience, you will not be eligible to apply. If you are studying but have previous work experience or employed at the same time and meet other criteria, you may be eligible to apply*.*For applicants based in the United States, McKinsey Forward is available through referrals from Forward nonprofit partner only, and standard eligibility criteria may differ.

What can I expect after I apply or register my interest?

If you are applying during a period when applications are open in your location, upon successful completion of the application form, you will receive an automated notification email confirming receipt of your application. We will then respond to you up to 15 business days to notify you of whether or not your application to Forward was accepted. If accepted, you will be enrolled in the online learning platform and receive details of program start dates and deadlines.

If you have not received any emails from Forward after applying, please check your spam folder. If you do not find the email, please get in touch with us via the contact form.

If you are registering your interest during a period when applications are not open in your location, you will receive news and updates about the program and be the first to be notified when a new application cycle is open in your country. Registering your interest is not considered applying to the program.

Please ensure you provide a valid email address in your interest registration form and/or your application, as it will be our primary way to contact you.

Take a step Forward to advance your career

Applications are open until May 14