World Economic Forum

Early Careers Programme, Spring 2026 Cohort

Geneva Full time

6-month duration employment that may be based in Geneva, Beijing, Mumbai, Tokyo

Please note that we can offer work authorization support for Geneva-based roles only.

The World Economic Forum, committed to improving the state of the world, engages the foremost political, business, and other leaders of society to build coalitions and initiatives – digitally and physically – to address industry, regional and systemic issues.

As part of our global team of over 1’000+ employees across six offices representing more than 100 nationalities, you will have the opportunity to influence systems level change, build communities of action, and broaden your perspective.

Programme Overview

We believe that early career talents are an essential and vibrant part of our community. The Early Careers Programme provides an exciting opportunity for participants to get a feel for working at the Forum, bringing in fresh ideas and gaining valuable real-world experience.

The positions we offer are best suited to bachelor’s and master’s program graduates, with a maximum of 3 years cumulated work experience (inclusive of internships).

Conditions and benefits of the Early Careers Programme

  • Full-time onsite employment contract of 6 months at a World Economic Forum office

  • Programme start dates between 15 March and 15 April 2026

  • Monthly gross compensation of CHF 4’500 (salary and medical allowance) / CNY 12’500 (salary) / INR 91’666 / JPY 333’333

Application and Selection Process

Please review the opportunity below and use the “Apply” link to submit your resume and responses application questions, indicating which functional and thematic areas are best suited for you. Applications will be accepted until Sunday, 26 November 2025. Here is what you may expect from the selection process:

Candidates who pass the initial screening will be invited to complete an asynchronous video interview. Candidates who perform well in the video interview will proceed to interviews with the hiring manager and a team member. The hiring team will shortlist candidates to complete a personality questionnaire, followed by an interview with the Talent Acquisition team. Offers will be extended to selected candidates, contingent upon successful reference checks and background verification.

What you will do 

As a participant in our Early Careers Programme, you will have the opportunity to work within specific functional areas, gaining hands-on experience and contributing to impactful projects. Throughout the programme, you'll collaborate with experienced professionals and develop a diverse skill set that can accelerate your career.

Below are the different areas where you can work and develop your expertise: 

Stakeholder engagement - Engage and maintain relationships with strategic partners and stakeholders or Project, content and policy management - responsible for research, project management, and content development to support various strategic initiatives, partnerships, or regional and industry contexts

When applying, you will have the opportunity to select the content/industry area you primarily wish to focus on:

  • Advanced Manufacturing and Supply Chains

  • AI, Frontier Technologies and Digital Innovation

  • Economic Growth, Equity and Inclusion, Human Capital and Skills

  • Energy and Materials

  • Financial and Monetary Systems

  • Regional Agenda, Trade and Geopolitics

  • Health and Healthcare

  • Sustainability, Nature and Climate

  • Urban Transformation

Data and analytics - responsible for collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to support informed decision-making and strategic planning around Forum and Centre initiatives, or to support the development of research and flagship reports
 

Technology innovation and digital success - Drive the development and adoption of technologies and digital strategies to enhance the Forum's initiatives and maximize the impact of global collaboration

Core enabling Functions

When applying, you will have the opportunity to select the functional area you wish to primarily be considered for:

  • Business development and key account management

  • Event management and global programming

  • Finance, Procurement, Legal and Compliance

  • Hospitality, Facility Management

  • Marketing, communications and media relations

  • People & Culture

Skills and competencies you will develop at the Forum

  • Sense of Mission - motivated by the organization's mission and a commitment to improving the state of the world

  • Collaboration and relationship management - ability to work cooperatively in diverse teams, contributing to group goals and supporting colleagues.

  • Communication - verbal and written communication abilities to effectively convey ideas and collaborate with team members and stakeholders.

  • Problem-Solving - critically evaluate information, identify patterns, and develop insights to support decision-making processes.

  • Adaptability and Resilience - comfortable shifting priorities, embrace change and quickly adjust to new environments, technologies, and methodologies.

Why work at the Forum:

The Forum believes that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to improve the state of the world by building awareness and cooperation, shaping mindsets and agendas, and driving collective action. Join us and become a driver for positive change!