Applications are open for the World Economic Forum – Early Careers Programme (Spring 2026 Cohort) a six-month, full-time placement offered in Geneva, Beijing, Mumbai, and Tokyo. While roles are available across all locations, work authorization support can be provided only for positions based in Geneva.

The Forum, known for its mission to improve the state of the world, brings together influential leaders from government, business, academia, and civil society to tackle major global and regional challenges. With more than a thousand employees representing over a hundred nationalities, the organization offers an environment where emerging professionals can contribute to meaningful change while learning from global experts.

Programme Overview

This initiative is designed for recent graduates—those who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree and have no more than three years of total professional experience, including internships.

Participants join Forum teams to contribute ideas, support ongoing projects, and immerse themselves in the organization’s international and collaborative culture.

Role Responsibilities

Participants work within one of the Forum’s functional units, collaborating with experienced staff and contributing to active projects. Depending on the chosen focus area, responsibilities may include:

• Stakeholder Engagement: Supporting and nurturing partnerships with key stakeholders

• Project, Content, and Policy Management: Conducting research, coordinating initiatives, and contributing to policy or industry-focused work

Applicants can indicate interest in a specific thematic area such as:

• Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains

• AI, Frontier Technologies, and Digital Innovation

• Economic Growth, Equity & Inclusion

• Energy and Materials

• Financial & Monetary Systems

• Geopolitics, Trade, and Regional Agendas

• Health and Healthcare

• Sustainability, Nature, and Climate

• Urban Transformation

Opportunities also exist in data and analytics, supporting decision-making and research outputs, and in technology and digital innovation, where participants help expand the Forum’s digital tools and platforms.

Core Enabling Functions

Candidates may also choose to be considered for roles in areas such as:

• Business Development and Partner Engagement

• Event Management and Global Programming

• Finance, Legal, Procurement, and Compliance

• Hospitality and Facilities

• Marketing, Communications, and Media

• People & Culture

Skills Developed

Throughout the programme, participants strengthen competencies that are essential for global careers, including:

• A strong sense of purpose aligned with the Forum’s mission

• Teamwork, collaboration, and stakeholder relationship building

• Clear written and verbal communication

• Analytical thinking and problem-solving

• Adaptability in a fast-changing environment

Why Join the Forum?

The World Economic Forum brings together people with the vision and influence to address some of the world’s most urgent issues. Working within this community allows early-career professionals to contribute to global progress, gain exposure to high-level decision-making, and become part of a network committed to driving positive change.

Don't miss out on the application deadline which is 26 November 2025.