McKinsey.org Forward program

The McKinsey.org Forward program will equip you with essential skills and practical tools, so you’re all the more ready to shape your future with confidence.

Forward is a free multi-week learning program designed to equip individuals at different stages of their careers – from career starters to job changers – with practical skills to succeed in the future of work, whether they are looking to reskill or advance. It focuses on essential workplace skills that are relevant and transferable across industries and roles. The program is available in more than 130 countries globally.

Our Program

At McKinsey.org, we are on a mission to share the best of McKinsey to help more people succeed. The McKinsey.org Forward program offers a 10-week learning journey 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 practical application. At the end of the program, you’ll receive a McKinsey.org 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 have 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.

Core Skills level content

Adaptability & Resilience

Our first digital course for developing the mindsets and habits that keep you adaptable and resilient, especially in times of change.

Problem Solving

A digital course for defining problems and prioritizing tasks in a structured manner when faced with a new problem to solve.

Communicating for Impact

A digital course for planning and structuring your communication to address different audiences to take action.

Relationships & Well-being

A digital course for building strong workplace relationships and managing your well being.

My Digital Toolkit

A digital course for understanding the implications of the digital world and developing your personal plan and toolkit for success.

Lead Forward Webinar

A live webinar with McKinsey experts to go deeper into self-leaderships skills and put learnings into practice.

In which countries is the McKinsey.org Forward program 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
• Latin America (currently, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, The Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, Peru and Uruguay)
• Europe (currently, Albania, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, 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, United Kingdom and Ukraine)
• Asia (currently, India, Indonesia, Japan, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand)
• Australia and New Zealand

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 the program?

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.org Forward program are now open in Europe, the Middle East, the United States, Latin America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Türkiye and Azerbaijan until September 29, 2025. You can apply using this online application form.

Please note that in some cases, applications may close earlier than the deadline mentioned above in certain countries. We recommend regularly checking the relevant regional page for the latest updates. If this occurs, new applicants will be redirected to our interest registration form. Those who register their interest will be notified by email when the next cohort opens in their country.

How do I know if I’m eligible to apply to McKinsey.org’s Forward program?

You can apply to Forward if you:

1. Live in a country where Forward is available
2. Are employed, self-employed, or currently between jobs with prior work experience (including internships or apprenticeships)
3. Have less than 5 years of total work experience**
4. Have completed at least a high school education or equivalent (e.g., GED)
5. Have a good command of English (the program is conducted in English)

**Applicants working in the nonprofit/NGO sector or in non-managerial roles may still be eligible, even with more than 5 years of experience.

Please note that participants may be required to verify their eligibility.

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

The McKinsey.org 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.