Apply to the World Economic Forum Early Careers Programme (Spring 2026 cohort): a 6-month, paid, on-site placement across Geneva, Mumbai, Tokyo or Beijing for recent graduates with up to 3 years’ experience. This guide explains eligibility, benefits, application steps, selection stages, practical tips, a summary table, FAQs, and final thoughts.
The World Economic Forum’s Early Careers Programme (ECP) offers recent graduates a fast-paced, hands-on placement inside a global institution that convenes leaders from business, government and civil society. The Spring 2026 cohort runs for six months, with start dates between 15 March and 15 April 2026. Roles are based in Geneva, Mumbai, Tokyo or Beijing and are best suited to candidates with a bachelor’s or master’s degree and no more than 3 years’ cumulative work experience (including internships).
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Who Should Apply
The programme targets:
- Final-year or recent graduates (Bachelor’s or Master’s)
- Candidates with up to 3 years cumulative professional experience (internships count)
- Early-career talents who want practical exposure to policy, industry or platform-building work
- Applicants willing and able to work on-site for six months (work authorization support may be offered for Geneva only)
Programme Benefits and Conditions
- Contract: Full-time, 6 months (on-site)
- Compensation: Monthly gross pay (examples): CHF 4,500 (Geneva), CNY 12,500 (Beijing), INR 91,666 (Mumbai), JPY 333,333 (Tokyo) — includes a medical allowance in some locations
- Start window: 15 March – 15 April 2026
- Work authorisation support: Provided only for Geneva roles (subject to policy)
- Learning: Mentorship, hands-on projects, cross-functional exposure, network access to leaders and peers
What You Will Do (Typical Assignments)
You will be placed in one of several thematic or functional tracks and contribute to real projects:
Thematic & Industry Areas
- Advanced Manufacturing & Supply Chains
- AI, Frontier Technologies & Digital Innovation
- Economic Growth, Equity & Inclusion; Human Capital & Skills
- Energy & Materials
- Financial & Monetary Systems
- Regional Agenda, Trade & Geopolitics
- Health & Healthcare
- Sustainability, Nature & Climate
- Urban Transformation
- Data & Analytics
Core Enabling / Functional Areas
- Business Development & Key Account Management
- Event Management & Global Programming
- Finance, Procurement, Legal & Compliance
- Marketing, Communications & Media Relations
- People & Culture (HR)
- Hospitality & Facility Management
Typical activities: research and policy briefs, stakeholder engagement, event logistics, data analysis, content and communications, project coordination, and supporting partnerships.
Skills & Competencies You’ll Develop
- Mission-driven mindset and systems thinking
- Cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement
- Clear written and verbal communication for senior audiences
- Data literacy and problem solving for policy and industry contexts
- Adaptability and resilience in a fast-changing international setting
Eligibility & Selection Criteria
- Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree (recent graduate or final-year student)
- Experience: Up to 3 years total (including internships)
- Language: Proficiency in English; other languages advantageous depending on location/role
- Availability: Able to start within the programme’s start window and to be onsite full time for six months
- Selection: Based on relevance of academic background, demonstrated motivation, soft skills and fit for the selected function/industry area
Application & Selection Process
- Application Deadline: 26 November 2025 (applications accepted until this date)
- Step 1 — Online Application: Submit CV and answer role-specific questions via the WEF careers portal. Indicate preferred functional and thematic areas.
- Step 2 — Asynchronous Video Interview: Short recorded interview questions; you’ll receive an invite if you pass screening.
- Step 3 — Hiring Manager Interview(s): Live interviews with hiring manager and a team member.
- Step 4 — Personality Questionnaire: Short psychometric assessment for shortlisted candidates.
- Step 5 — Talent Acquisition Interview & Checks: Final interview, reference checks and background verification before offers are extended.
Application Timeline (Example)
- Apply by: 26 Nov 2025
- Screening outcome: 1–3 weeks after application (varies)
- Video interview invite: within 2–3 weeks of screening
- Manager interviews: 1–2 weeks after video stage
- Final offer: within 2–4 weeks of final interviews (subject to checks)
How to Apply for Early Careers Programme
- Visit the World Economic Forum careers page and find job requisition R3746 – Early Careers Programme (Spring 2026 cohort).
- Prepare documents: polished CV (1–2 pages), concise cover letter (optional but recommended), proof of degree/enrolment and any relevant portfolio or writing samples.
- Complete the online form: pick your primary functional area (e.g., Data & Analytics) and 1–2 preferred thematic areas. Be explicit about your availability and start window.
- Record the asynchronous video: respond to prompts honestly, succinctly and with examples that show impact and teamwork.
- Prepare for interviews: research the Forum’s initiatives relevant to your chosen area; prepare examples using the STAR (Situation–Task–Action–Result) method.
- Check email regularly: recruiters will contact you via the address in your profile. Allow time for background/reference checks if selected.
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Early Careers Programme
For more opportunities like these, be sure to follow us on Facebook, join our WhatsApp Group and Channel, and connect with us on LinkedIn.
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Documents & Preparation Checklist
- Updated CV (1–2 pages)
- Scans of degree certificate or proof of current enrolment (if applicable)
- Contact details for 2 professional references (email + relationship)
- Working visa / passport copies (if asked later)
- Short writing sample or portfolio (if relevant to the role)
- Prepare 3 achievement examples showing leadership, collaboration and problem solving
Practical Tips to Stand Out
- Choose 1–2 thematic areas and tailor your application to those areas — specificity beats generic.
- Quantify impact in your CV (e.g., “Improved event attendance by 35% through targeted outreach”).
- In video answers, demonstrate curiosity about systems-level problems and your ability to work across stakeholders.
- Emphasize cross-cultural teamwork or international exposure.
- Practice concise storytelling: hiring managers appreciate clarity and focus.
- Be ready to explain how the ECP fits your long-term career plan.
Summary Table
| Item | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Programme | World Economic Forum Early Careers Programme (Spring 2026) |
| Duration | 6 months (on-site) |
| Locations | Geneva (work authorization support possible), Mumbai, Tokyo, Beijing |
| Compensation | CHF 4,500 / CNY 12,500 / INR 91,666 / JPY 333,333 (gross monthly, location dependent) |
| Start Window | 15 March – 15 April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 26 November 2025 |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s or Master’s graduate; ≤ 3 years cumulative experience |
| Selection Steps | Online app → video interview → hiring manager interviews → questionnaire → TA interview & checks |
| What You’ll Gain | Mentorship, cross-functional projects, global network, hands-on policy/industry experience |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the maximum work experience allowed?
A maximum of 3 years cumulative experience (this includes internships and short-term jobs).
Can students apply?
Yes — final-year students who can start the programme in the specified start window are eligible.
Is remote work allowed?
The programme is on-site full-time. Remote arrangements are not standard; exceptions are rare and decided by teams only in special circumstances.
Does the Forum provide visa support?
Work authorization support is only offered for Geneva-based roles. For other locations, candidates are typically responsible for their own visas unless stated otherwise.
How should I prepare for the video interview?
Keep answers concise, show measurable results from your past work, and link your motivation to the Forum’s mission. Practice on camera so your delivery is calm and professional.
Are internships counted toward the 3-year experience limit?
Yes — internships and apprenticeships count toward the cumulative experience limit.
Final Thoughts
The World Economic Forum Early Careers Programme is an exceptional springboard for graduates who want to work at the intersection of policy, business and society. It offers real responsibilities, an intense learning environment and unparalleled networking opportunities. Apply with targeted, evidence-based examples of impact, be clear about your preferred functional and thematic areas, and prepare to demonstrate curiosity, adaptability and collaborative spirit during interviews. If you’re eager to contribute to systems-level change and learn from global leaders, this programme is worth the effort.
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