Aileen Salfarlie, based in the U.K., was doing well at work but lacking clarity on her goals. She sought a deeper sense of purpose. Elsewhere, in Germany, Niklas Manke, having witnessed burnout in his own family, was eager to build resilience as he entered the workforce. Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Kalada Pepple aimed to gain practical skills and confidence to take the next step in his career.
These are just three of more than 500,000 participants who have benefited from McKinsey.org’s Forward program, an online learning journey designed to equip people with the skills needed in today’s evolving job market—adaptability, digital fluency, communication, problem-solving, and more.
Forward is one of several skill-building programs offered at no cost by McKinsey.org, which exists to share the best of our firm to help more people not only navigate change but thrive in it. Launched in 2022, these McKinsey.org programs are committed to helping communities and nurturing global talent, enabling nonprofits and individuals to advance and drive meaningful impact. Forward is currently accepting applications until April 22, 2025, for the next cohort. This is a unique opportunity to build transformational skills and create lasting change.
Take a step Forward
Enabling access: A global movement
Meet Kalada, a Forward alumni
After a successful launch in the Middle East and Africa in 2021, Forward has rapidly expanded to 63 additional countries across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. The program is now also offered in Spanish to broaden its reach to more learners worldwide.
“We wanted to equip more people with skills for a changing world,” explains Ozgur Tanrikulu, McKinsey senior partner and one of Forward’s founders. “Scaling Forward was an immediate ‘yes’ because the challenges professionals face are universal, and the skills we teach apply across industries, roles, and cultures.”
Meet Aileen, a Forward alumni
The need for continuous upskilling has never been more urgent. A McKinsey Global Institute report highlights that up to 12 million occupational transitions will be necessary in Europe and the United States by 2030 as automation transforms industries. Demand for STEM and healthcare professionals is rising, while many routine roles are declining.
Forward helps learners develop the skills and growth mindset to adapt to this shifting landscape, which our research has shown is crucial to fostering flexibility and resilience in a rapidly changing world.
A learning experience designed for lasting impact
“We’re constantly evolving Forward to reflect the changing world of work and feedback from our learners,” says May Wazzan, global lead for McKinsey.org’s Forward program.
To enrich the learning journey, Forward now offers:
- Quarterly webinars on timely topics, such as leveraging gen AI for productivity and building mentor networks
- Self-reflection surveys post-course for learners to assess methods applied and impact observed
- A peer-learning community where alumni can connect, share experiences, and support each other in applying new skills
“People wanted more interaction, so we created an online space where alumni could continue learning together,” says May. “It’s inspiring to see this community organically growing beyond the program itself.”
Forward is not just about skills—it’s about empowerment. As Aileen shares:
“It wasn’t just about learning—I became part of a community of people who uplift and inspire each other. That sense of connection kept growing even after the program ended.”
And the impact extends far beyond personal growth. Three months after completing Forward:
Meet Niklas, a Forward alumni
- 70 percent of graduates reported career growth, including promotions, job changes, and expanded roles.
- 92 percent felt more confident in their ability to tackle work challenges.
- A follow-up survey a year later confirmed that these positive outcomes remained stable, underscoring Forward’s lasting impact.
Preparing for the future of work
Looking ahead, Forward aims to expand its reach to even more learners, particularly those who might not otherwise have access to such opportunities. The team is also exploring new topics, such as:
- AI-driven skills for the workplace
- Targeted skills for different learner groups
- Lifelong learning strategies for career resilience
“We believe everyone should have the chance to build a future filled with endless possibilities,” says Tania Holt, McKinsey senior partner and global sponsor of Forward. “By equipping people with these skills, we can help foster social mobility and create a more equitable, prosperous world.”