Forward Middle East & Pakistan

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Forward is 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.

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.

  • complete the Foundation level: 8 weeks, two hours per week
  • complete the Advanced level and earn a shareable McKinsey Forward digital badge: 11 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
Eligibility criteria

To access Forward, you must meet the following criteria:

  • 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
  • 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

Mark your growth

McKinsey Forward

Earn the McKinsey Forward badge

Participants who complete the Foundation and Advanced levels will earn a personalized digital badge, which is shareable across social media and other digital channels.

What Forward alumni are saying

 
Sulaiman Alhazza

McKinsey's program taught me how to work effectively with others despite constant changes, restoring my confidence and giving me the skills to persuade and collaborate with people in various settings.

Sulaiman, Project Manager
Saudi Arabia
Hedia Mahmoud

The Forward learning program is essential for young professionals looking to become effective leaders. It provides practical, hands-on experiences that help you take your career to the next level.

Hedia, Material Planner
Egypt

This has been an above-and-beyond learning experience. I have gained an invaluable amount of knowledge and confidence. I am finally ready to begin working on my start-up ideas that I aimed to long ago.

Muhammad, entrepreneur
Pakistan

Meet Abdelrahman

As a fresh graduate from Egypt, Abdelrahman was on the lookout to gain an extra edge in his first job. Forward gave him practical skills and frameworks that helped him stand out at work. What made an even bigger difference for him was the opportunity to interact with a global network of young professionals.

Meet Bedour

Bedour, a graphic designer from the UAE, reveals how her fear of failure sometimes gets in her way. She describes the practical thinking tools she acquired and the mindset shift she experienced thanks to Forward.

Take a step Forward to advance your career

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Other regions

Africa
A virtual learning program that boosts the careers of young professionals in Africa.
Turkey & Azerbaijan
A virtual learning program that boosts the careers of young professionals in Turkey & Azerbaijan.

Get to know McKinsey in the Middle East

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