McKinsey.org Forward in Europe

Ready to advance your career? Take a step Forward.

McKinsey.org Forward is a free ten-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.

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 grow your confidence.

At the end of the program, you will receive a McKinsey.org Forward digital badge and join an exclusive global network of life-long 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.
Identify opportunities to use digital and emerging AI-enabled solutions in responsible and impactful ways.
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 McKinsey.org Forward, you must meet the following criteria:

Currently reside in specific countries in Europe
Are working or have prior work experience (including internships or apprenticeships), or are preparing to start work sometime in the next 12 months
Have less than 5 years of total work experience**
Have completed at least a high school education or equivalent (e.g., GED)
Have a good command of English (the program is conducted in English)

**Applicants with more than 5 years of experience may still be eligible if they work in the nonprofit/NGO sector, a non-corporate setting, or in non-managerial roles.

Mark your growth

Earn the McKinsey.org Forward badge

Participants who complete the Core Skills level will earn a personalized digital badge, which is shareable across social media and other digital channels.

FEATURED INSIGHTS

Forward alumni gather in Nigeria (left) and Saudi Arabia as part of a connectivity challenge

McKinsey Blog

Scaling Forward: McKinsey.org’s commitment to building people’s skills, confidence, and connection

March 25, 2025 -

The McKinsey.org Forward program has empowered over 500,000 participants worldwide, helping them build the resilience, confidence, and skills necessary to overcome career challenges and make a meaningful impact. As the workplace continues to evolve, so does the importance of continuous learning.

What Forward alumni are saying

Meet Niklas

Niklas, who’s from Germany and in the early stages of building his career, was looking for ways to develop resilience and tools to manage the challenges that come with fast-paced, high-pressure environments. Through the McKinsey.org Forward program, he gained practical tools to reframe his thoughts and approach problems with more structure and focus. Niklas is now better equipped to navigate change with confidence and intention.

Meet Aileen

Aileen, from the United Kingdom, like many, is navigating questions and change in her career. Through the McKinsey.org Forward program, she found direction and purpose. The learning journey helped her build confidence, lead with intention, and connect with a global community. Now, with the skills and purpose she gained, Aileen is driving impactful projects in her community and mentoring teams.