Forward Online Learning Program

Deadline: 20-Jun-23

Are you ready to advance your career? If, yes then apply now for the Forward Online Learning Program, a free, five-month online learning program offered by McKinsey to equip young talent with must-have practical skills to succeed in the future of work.

Forward is delivered in an interactive, virtual format. It begins with exploring foundational skills, then applying them to case studies based on real-world scenarios. You will ultimately be able to develop new behaviors through ongoing reflection and peer learning. At the end of the program, receive a McKinsey Forward digital badge and join an exclusive global network of young, life-long learners.

The Forward program and its learning content are designed to benefit young professionals with less than five years of work experience who, at the time of application, are employed, self-employed, or in between jobs. Although employers do not sponsor participants, applicants are required to submit accurate employer information as part of the verification process.

What You Can Expect?

Forward is a three-level learning journey where you can develop new ways of thinking, boost your confidence, and learn to lead with purpose. At the end of the program, receive a McKinsey Forward digital badge and join an exclusive global network of young, life-long learners.
- Interactive learning journey
  - Learn through a variety of formats, including digital courses, discussion boards, virtual workshops with McKinsey experts, and a group assignment with real-time peer feedback.
  - complete the Foundation level: 8 weeks, two hours per week
  - complete the Advanced level and earn a shareable McKinsey Forward digital badge: 12 weeks, two hours per week
  - participate in the Network level: 18 months, ongoing optional activities
- Skills you can use immediately
  - Gain the skills and tools to:
    - turn complex business challenges into opportunities using structured and creative thinking
    - communicate with impact to move your audience to action
    - apply agile ways of working and spot opportunities to use data and technology
    - be adaptable, and build resilience and emotional awareness to work successfully–both independently and in teams, especially in times of change

How is Forward structured? How long will it take to complete the program?

The Forward program is broken down into three levels: Foundation, Advanced, and Network.
Foundation (8 weeks)
- This level includes more than 18 hours of highly interactive, self-paced digital courses. You will be introduced to several practical skills such as adaptability, effective communication, problem solving, and new ways of working in a digital world.
Advanced (12 weeks)
- This level has over 25 hours of learning. You can see your newfound skills come to life through an immersive journey of advanced digital content, bespoke virtual learning workshops, and a collaborative group assignment where you can learn from McKinsey experts and your fellow Forward participants.
Network (ongoing)
- After graduating from the first two levels, you can join a vibrant global network of young talent and get exclusive access to further learning and networking events.
- Each level has a series of requirements and specific deadlines which will be highlighted at the beginning of the program. Once you complete each level within the given timeframe, you can advance to the next level.

What topics and skills does Forward cover?

Forward is developed to equip young talent with crucial, must-have skills needed to succeed in the future of work.
In the Foundation level, you will be introduced to several skills such as adaptability, effective communication, problem solving, and new ways of working in a digital world.
In the Advanced Level, you will have access to two virtual learning events to apply knowledge gained through the digital courses. The first learning event is focused on self- leadership skills and the second is focused on design thinking and agile ways of work. You will also complete a collaborative group assignment with your peers to practice applying problem-solving skills.

Eligibility Criteria

The Forward program is available to eligible young professionals residing:
- on the African continent (all countries)
- in the Middle East region (currently Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Yemen) or Pakistan
- Turkey and Azerbaijan
If you are based in one of these countries or within the specified regions, please visit the relevant page under the “Regions” menu on the Forward website to apply. This website is updated as new countries are offered through the program.
For a range of reasons, they 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.
Forward applications are open to those who:
- currently reside in one of the countries where Forward is offered
- currently employed, self-employed, or in between jobs
- have no more than five years of formal work experience
- have completed post-secondary education (for example: diploma, associate degree, undergraduate degree)
- have a good command of the English language, as the program will be conducted in English

For more information, visit Forward Africa.