Individuals looking to strengthen their career skills, improve workplace readiness and prepare for the future of work can apply for the McKinsey.org Forward programme, a free multi-week learning programme available across more than 130 countries.
The programme is designed for people at different stages of their careers, including career starters and individuals seeking to change careers or develop new skills. Participants gain practical tools and transferable workplace skills through digital courses, interactive learning activities, virtual events and practical assignments.
Applications are currently open until 5 October.
What Is the McKinsey.org Forward Programme?
McKinsey.org Forward is a free learning programme designed to help participants develop essential skills that can be applied across different industries and career paths.
The programme is delivered primarily in English, while digital content is also translated into Latin American Spanish, Portuguese, French and Arabic. Selected virtual events may also offer subtitles or simultaneous translation.
The programme is particularly focused on helping participants build confidence, adaptability and practical workplace capabilities that can support career progression, reskilling and professional development.
The 10-week learning journey combines self-paced digital learning with virtual activities, reflection and practical application.
A 10-Week Learning Journey
The Core Skills level lasts 10 weeks, with participants expected to dedicate approximately two hours per week.
The programme combines online courses, case scenarios, interactive learning events, reflection activities and assignments.
Rather than focusing solely on theoretical learning, Forward encourages participants to apply newly developed skills to practical situations and workplace challenges.
The programme covers several core areas that are transferable across industries and roles.
Adaptability and Resilience
The Adaptability & Resilience course focuses on developing mindsets and habits that can help individuals remain adaptable during periods of change.
Participants explore approaches to dealing with changing circumstances and developing greater resilience in their professional lives.
These skills can be particularly relevant to individuals navigating changing labour markets, career transitions or new workplace environments.
Problem Solving
The Problem Solving course introduces a structured approach to defining problems and prioritising tasks.
Participants learn ways to break down challenges and approach problems systematically rather than becoming overwhelmed by complex situations.
Problem-solving skills can be applied across a wide range of professional environments, regardless of a participant’s specific industry or job title.
Communicating for Impact
Effective communication is another central component of the programme.
The Communicating for Impact course focuses on planning and structuring communication for different audiences and helping participants communicate in ways that encourage action.
The skills can be relevant to presentations, workplace discussions, written communication, teamwork, stakeholder engagement and professional networking.
Relationships and Well-being
The Relationships & Well-being course focuses on building strong workplace relationships while supporting personal well-being.
Participants explore approaches to developing effective professional relationships and managing well-being in the workplace.
These skills form part of the broader programme’s focus on helping individuals succeed in changing professional environments.
Digital and AI Essentials
The Digital and AI Essentials course introduces participants to digital and artificial intelligence concepts.
Participants develop an understanding of digital and AI-related mindsets while exploring examples and practical tips that can expand their professional toolkit.
With AI increasingly influencing workplaces and the way organisations operate, developing basic knowledge of digital and AI concepts can complement traditional professional skills.
Lead Forward Webinar
Participants also have access to a Lead Forward Webinar, a live session featuring McKinsey experts.
The webinar provides an opportunity to explore self-leadership skills in greater depth and connect learning from the programme to practical application.
Global Network of Learners
After completing the Core Skills level, participants can progress to the Network level, which provides ongoing access to a global community of Forward alumni.
The Network level is conducted in English and provides opportunities for further learning and networking activities.
Participants can also become involved in volunteering opportunities, allowing alumni to contribute to the wider Forward community.
McKinsey.org Forward Digital Badge
Participants who successfully complete the Core Skills level receive a personalised McKinsey.org Forward digital badge.
The badge can be shared through social media and other digital platforms, allowing participants to showcase their completion of the programme and the skills they developed.
Digital credentials can also form part of a broader professional portfolio alongside academic qualifications, work experience and other training.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is designed for individuals at different stages of their careers.
It can be relevant to:
- Career starters.
- Recent graduates.
- Young professionals.
- Individuals changing careers.
- People seeking to reskill or upskill.
- Professionals preparing for the future of work.
- Individuals looking to strengthen transferable workplace skills.
The programme’s global availability also makes it accessible to learners across Africa, Asia Pacific, Central and South America, Europe, the Middle East and North America.
Programme Details
- Programme: McKinsey.org Forward
- Cost: Free
- Duration: 10 weeks
- Study time: Approximately 2 hours per week
- Format: Digital and virtual
- Availability: More than 130 countries
- Core language: English
- Additional languages: French, Arabic, Portuguese and Latin American Spanish
- Core skills: Adaptability, resilience, problem-solving, communication, relationships, well-being, digital and AI skills
- Credential: McKinsey.org Forward digital badge
- Application deadline: 5 October
How to Apply
Interested individuals can apply through the McKinsey.org Forward application portal before the stated deadline.
Applicants should review the programme information and ensure that they provide the required information when completing the application.
Because the programme is designed to complement people at different career stages, applicants can consider how the skills covered by Forward align with their current professional development goals.
Final Thoughts
The McKinsey.org Forward programme provides a free opportunity for individuals in more than 130 countries to develop practical workplace skills through a structured 10-week learning journey.
Its curriculum combines adaptability, problem-solving, communication, workplace relationships, well-being and digital and AI essentials, while participants who complete the Core Skills level can earn a shareable digital badge and join a global network of lifelong learners.
For individuals seeking to strengthen transferable skills, prepare for changing workplace demands or support a career transition, the programme offers an accessible online learning pathway with a relatively modest weekly time commitment.
Interested applicants should apply before 5 October and review the official programme information for the latest application requirements.
