Open Call for McKinsey.org Forward Program

Deadline: 05-Oct-2026

The McKinsey.org Forward Program is a free multi-week digital learning initiative that helps people at different stages of their careers develop practical skills for the future of work. The Core Skills level is a ten-week, self-paced learning experience requiring approximately two hours per week and covers adaptability, resilience, problem-solving, communication, workplace relationships, well-being, digital tools, and artificial intelligence. The programme combines interactive digital courses with reflections, assignments, virtual learning events, and live webinars featuring McKinsey experts. Participants who complete the Core Skills level receive a personalized digital badge and can join a global network of lifelong learners with access to further learning, networking, and volunteering opportunities.

About the McKinsey.org Forward Program

The McKinsey.org Forward Program is designed to help individuals build practical workplace capabilities needed to navigate a changing world of work. The programme focuses on skills that can support participants in their personal and professional development, regardless of their current career stage. Through digital learning, participants can develop capabilities related to: - Adaptability - Resilience - Problem-solving - Communication - Workplace relationships - Personal well-being - Digital tools - Artificial intelligence - Practical workplace skills The programme emphasizes applying these skills to real-world situations rather than learning concepts only through traditional instruction. What Is the Core Skills Level? The Core Skills level is a ten-week, self-paced digital learning experience within the Forward Program.

Participants are expected to dedicate approximately two hours per week to the programme

The learning experience is designed to be flexible, allowing participants to complete the digital content at their own pace while working through the required learning activities. The Core Skills level focuses on foundational capabilities that can help participants become more effective and adaptable in the workplace. What Skills Does the Programme Teach? The Forward Program covers a range of practical skills relevant to the future of work. Adaptability and Resilience Participants learn approaches for responding to change, managing challenges, and developing resilience in professional and personal situations. These skills can help individuals navigate changing workplace environments and respond more effectively to uncertainty. Problem-Solving The programme helps participants strengthen their ability to approach problems, understand challenges, and identify practical solutions. Problem-solving skills can be applied across different industries, roles, and professional situations. Communication Effective communication is an important component of workplace success. Participants develop communication skills that can help them express ideas clearly, interact with colleagues, and communicate more effectively in professional environments. Positive Workplace Relationships The programme also addresses how participants can develop constructive relationships at work. This includes building stronger interactions with colleagues and creating positive professional relationships. Well-Being The learning experience includes content designed to support participants’ well-being. The programme recognizes that sustainable professional development involves not only workplace performance but also the ability to maintain personal well-being. Digital Tools and AI

Participants gain essential knowledge of digital tools and artificial intelligence

This component helps learners develop greater awareness of technologies that are increasingly relevant to modern workplaces and the future of work. How Does the Digital Learning Experience Work? The Core Skills level uses highly interactive digital courses rather than relying exclusively on conventional lectures.

The learning experience can include:

- Interactive digital courses - Reflections - Assignments - Virtual learning events - Live webinars - Expert-led sessions - Practical application activities These elements are designed to help participants connect the concepts they learn with real workplace situations. Applying Skills in Real-World Situations An important feature of the Forward Program is the opportunity to apply learning through practical activities. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the skills they are developing and consider how those skills can be used in everyday professional situations. Assignments and other activities provide opportunities to translate learning into practical action. This approach can help participants understand not only what a workplace skill is, but also how to use it. Live Webinars With McKinsey Experts The programme includes live webinars featuring McKinsey experts. These sessions provide participants with opportunities to engage with experts and explore topics related to workplace skills and the future of work. Virtual learning events also create opportunities for participants to learn alongside other people participating in the programme. Who Can Benefit From the Forward Program? The Forward Program is designed for individuals at various career stages. The programme can be relevant to people who want to: - Build foundational workplace skills - Improve communication - Become more adaptable - Strengthen problem-solving abilities - Develop resilience - Improve workplace relationships - Understand digital tools - Build knowledge of AI - Support their professional development - Continue learning throughout their careers Because the programme focuses on transferable workplace skills, its content can be relevant across different industries and professional backgrounds. Programme Duration and Time Commitment The Core Skills level runs for ten weeks. It is self-paced and requires approximately two hours per week. This means participants can complete the learning exper