The World Economic Forum is opening doors for ambitious early-career professionals through its Spring 2025 Early Careers Programme. This immersive, six-month full-time opportunity, based in either Geneva, Switzerland, or Beijing, China, is crafted to provide invaluable real-world experience and a platform to contribute directly to the Forum’s globally significant mission of improving the state of the world.
Discover the World Economic Forum Early Careers Programme
Designed to infuse fresh perspectives and dynamic energy into the heart of the Forum’s international operations, the Early Careers Programme offers a unique gateway to impact global change. With a diverse team of over 1,000 individuals representing more than 100 nationalities across six global offices, participants will become part of a network dedicated to shaping global agendas and fostering collaborative action. This program is perfectly suited for driven individuals who are recent graduates holding Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees and possess approximately 1–2 years of relevant professional experience. It’s an unparalleled stepping stone for those looking to make a significant impact on a global scale right at the outset of their careers.
Programme Essentials
To help you plan your application, here are the essential details of the World Economic Forum Early Careers Program:
- Programme Duration: A focused 6-month, full-time commitment.
- Locations: Opportunities are available in both Geneva, Switzerland, and Beijing, China, offering a choice of global hubs.
- Starting Period: Programmes commence between March 15th and April 15th, 2025, aligning with the Spring cohort.
- Remuneration: Participants based in Geneva will receive a monthly compensation of CHF 4,500, while those in Beijing will receive CNY 11,565 per month, reflecting the cost of living in each location.
- Work Permit Sponsorship: For roles based in Geneva, the Forum provides support for obtaining the necessary work authorization, simplifying the international transition process.
Functional Roles and Impact Areas
Participants in the Early Careers Programme will be embedded within specific functional teams, gaining hands-on experience in crucial operational areas of the World Economic Forum. These roles are designed to develop expertise and contribute to the Forum’s core initiatives:
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement: This area focuses on building and nurturing strategic relationships with a diverse range of global partners and stakeholders. Participants will learn to facilitate effective collaboration, manage communications, and support the Forum’s community-building efforts. This is crucial for expanding the reach and impact of WEF initiatives.
- Project, Content, and Policy Management: In these roles, participants will be involved in conducting in-depth research, managing project lifecycles, and developing impactful content that supports various Forum initiatives and partnerships. This includes contributing to policy briefs, reports, and strategic communications that shape global agendas.
- Data Analysis and Insights: Roles in data and analytics involve the collection, rigorous analysis, and insightful interpretation of data to underpin strategic planning and research efforts across the Forum. Participants will help transform data into actionable intelligence, supporting evidence-based decision-making within the organization.
- Technology Advancement and Digital Strategy: This forward-looking area is focused on advancing the Forum’s digital strategies and implementing innovative technological solutions. Participants will contribute to enhancing global collaboration through digital platforms and technologies, ensuring the Forum remains at the cutting edge of digital engagement.
These functional skills will be applied across a range of thematic centers and initiatives, providing a broad understanding of the World Economic Forum’s multifaceted work. Thematic areas include:
- Forum Centres: Covering critical global challenges and sectors such as Cybersecurity, Energy, Health, Climate Action, and Geopolitics.
- Industry Engagement: Working directly with industries to drive systemic change and address industry-specific challenges in alignment with global goals.
- Organizational Enablement: Supporting the internal functions that power the Forum, including Finance, IT, and Public Affairs, providing insight into the operational backbone of a major international organization.
Who Should Apply?
The World Economic Forum is looking for highly motivated individuals who demonstrate the following qualities and experiences:
- Mission Alignment: A deep-seated passion for the World Economic Forum’s mission of improving the state of the world and a commitment to contributing to global positive change.
- Analytical Problem-Solving Skills: Proven ability to effectively analyze complex information and support strategic decision-making processes with clear and logical thinking.
- Exceptional Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively in a professional environment.
- Adaptability and Resilience: Demonstrated flexibility and resilience to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, and evolving global environments.
- Collaborative Team Player: A proven track record of working effectively and supportively within diverse, multicultural teams, contributing to a positive and productive team environment.
- Project Management Capabilities: A highly organized and solutions-oriented approach to managing tasks and projects, ensuring timely and effective delivery of results.
Why Choose the World Economic Forum?
Joining the World Economic Forum means becoming part of a prestigious organization at the forefront of global change. The Forum convenes leaders from across society to foster awareness, shape agendas, and drive collective action on critical global issues. This Early Careers Programme is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to:
- Gain Unparalleled Experience: Work alongside global leaders and experts on initiatives that are shaping the future of the world.
- Expand Your Network: Build a professional network with influential figures from government, business, academia, and civil society.
- Develop Global Perspective: Immerse yourself in international collaborations and gain a deep understanding of global challenges and opportunities.
- Make a Real Impact: Contribute directly to projects that address some of the world’s most pressing issues and drive positive change.
Ready to Apply?
Take the first step towards a transformative career by submitting your application through this application link. The deadline for applications is Sunday, January 12, 2025. Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis, so early submission is encouraged. Interviews are scheduled to take place between mid-January and late February 2025.
Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity to launch your career on a global stage. Apply now to the World Economic Forum Early Careers Programme and become an active participant in shaping a better future.
