McKinsey & Company's Take a Step Forward Learning Program

Forward, offered by McKinsey, is a free, five-month online learning journey that equips young talent with must-have practical skills to help them succeed in the future of work. It focuses on critical leadership, business, and digital skills that are relevant and transferable across industries and roles. Forward is available across Africa, the Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey, and Azerbaijan.

The Program

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.

• Foundation level (8 weeks)
  • Develop practical, must-have skills through highly interactive, self-paced digital courses. You will be introduced to adaptability, effective communication, problem-solving, new ways of working in a digital world, and more.
• Advanced level (11 weeks)
  • See your newfound skills come to life through an immersive journey of advanced digital content, bespoke virtual workshops, and assignments.    
• Advanced level (11 weeks)
  • See your newfound skills come to life through an immersive journey of advanced digital content, bespoke virtual workshops, and assignments.

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 and assignments with McKinsey experts.
• 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

Eligibility Criteria

• To access Forward, you must meet the following criteria:
  • Eligible Countries
    • Middle East: currently reside 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
    • Africa: currently reside on the African continent (all countries)
    • currently reside in Türkiye or Azerbaijan
  • currently employed, self-employed, or in between jobs
  • have less than 5 years of total work experience or have more than 5 years of work experience but have not been responsible at any point for directly managing any colleagues
  • have completed at least a secondary education/high school degree
  • have a good command of the English language, as the program will be conducted in English

For more information, visit McKinsey & Company.