When asking yourself about something to do near me in Cambridge with a group of friends or family, consider
Forage
Why Forage is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Forage is an innovative career development platform that provides free virtual job simulations designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world workplace experience. Ideal for students and early-career professionals, Forage enables users to explore various industries such as software engineering, consulting, law, and finance through hands-on, practical simulations created in partnership with leading employers worldwide. These simulations allow participants to develop relevant skills, gain confidence, and demonstrate their commitment and understanding of specific roles to potential employers, enhancing their job market competitiveness. With its headquarters in San Francisco and additional offices in New York, London, and Sydney, Forage operates globally, impacting thousands of users. The platform’s unique approach democratizes access to career opportunities by allowing users to interact with authentic day-in-the-life scenarios anytime and at no cost, making it a highly attractive and educational space to meet up with friends for collaborative learning and career exploration. The company’s commitment to fostering talent and inclusivity has also earned it a Great Place to Work certification, reflecting its positive and supportive workplace culture.
Here's what people think of Forage
As of recent, Forage holds a 4.4-star rating based on 487 reviews.
Users of Forage have generally expressed highly positive sentiments about the platform, ranking it with an impressive 4.4-star rating based on 487 reviews. Many reviewers highlight the value of the virtual job simulations in offering practical experience and insight into various industries that are otherwise difficult to access before entering the workforce. Positive reviews commonly note that the simulations increase confidence, help clarify career goals, and provide a distinct advantage during job applications by signaling high intent to employers. Users appreciate the diversity of available programs and the ease of access at no cost, making Forage a widely recommended resource for early-career professionals and students looking to stand out. However, some negative reviews mention occasional technical challenges and a desire for a broader range of partners or industries to be represented on the platform. A few users also suggest improvements in the user interface and more personalized feedback during simulations. Despite these minor critiques, the overall consensus remains strongly favorable due to Forage’s impactful mission and proven effectiveness. In conclusion, the reviews attest to Forage as a valuable, user-friendly, and empowering tool for career exploration, skill development, and job readiness.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Adam Rasmussen
Quirky restaurant with a quirky staff (good things!) and tasty food. I did the non-alcoholic drink pairing. Very creative and highly commended. I did the Omnivore tasting menu which consisted of three vegetarian dishes and one meat course. Vegetarian dishes are very simple, but very fresh are tasty with nice textures The meat course was also very simple but well cooked and was tasty. The dessert was awesome. A bit on the expensive side for what you get, but everything is tasty and creative so I will certainly come again soon
Brandon Zambrano
We visited Forage to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday and enjoyed beautifully curated vegan and pescatarian tasting menus. Every course was thoughtfully prepared, starting with a delightful selection of pickled vegetables and infused oils and vinegars. A standout dish was the skate fish, which had a mild, slightly sweet flavor that paired perfectly with the miso broth and fresh mussels. Dessert was just as impressive: a rhubarb upside-down cake and a red wine sorbet infused with black pepper, complete with a birthday candle for a special touch. The only small critique was that two of my courses featured a rather large portion of mussels (8–10 each), and I would’ve loved a bit more variety. That said, the overall experience was outstanding. What truly made the evening unforgettable was our server, Jack. He was incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and attentive, guiding us through the menu with genuine enthusiasm. His service elevated our experience and made the night feel truly special. I highly recommend Forage to anyone eager to explore creative, seasonal flavors — and if you’re lucky, you’ll have Jack as your guide
Mariska Calabrese
I selected this restaurant because of the reviews for their vegetarian tasting menu. My friend got the vegetarian and I got the omnivore. We paired our meals with wine. There were 2 courses that were different between menus. One of them had fish and was exceptional, the other was steak that was inedible. Would most certainly get the pescatarian menu 10/10. We requested only red wine pairings, and they were all delicious. I would definitely eat here again. The peppers were maybe my favorite. Or the fish.
Delmeshia Haynes
Loved it! The menu is always changing so no sense in suggesting what to get, but if that vegan cheese board is available, get it! Hands down the best cashew cheese ever. I loved the creative flavor pairings on the cod, and simple yet crisp and bright salad with strawberries. Service was attentive, maybe hovering at one point as we had an 8:45 reservation. I tend not to like sorbet but the chocolate sorbet was yummy! The best birthday dinner :)
Alex Ainsworth
Came here for an anniversary dinner and had a great time! We each had a cocktail, and the vegetarian tasting. We picked classic cocktails not listed on the menu, and they were delicious! The food was pretty awesome too, only comment was one very radish heavy dish (it was just radishes lol). However the shakshuka was amazing, as was the brownie at the end. Total bill was $240 with tip, service was incredible, would come again!
How to reach Forage
None
Website: None
Why Forage may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Forage with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Forage offers a unique opportunity to share an enriching and empowering experience that goes far beyond traditional meetups. This is not just a casual hangout spot but a dynamic learning hub where you and your friends can engage in free, self-paced virtual job simulations designed by some of the world’s top employers. Imagine rallying your group not only to socialize but also to explore different career pathways, learn practical, real-world skills, and gain insights into industries ranging from finance and consulting to tech and more. With a highly rated platform (4.4 stars from nearly 500 reviews), Forage creates a shared environment where everyone can boost their confidence in job applications and better understand what their dream roles entail before even applying. Plus, the virtual format is perfect for groups who value flexibility, allowing you to connect either locally or remotely while supporting each other’s growth. It turns your meetup into an inspiring and productive event that can help shape futures, spark meaningful conversations, and motivate your network toward professional development.
What activities can you do at Forage with a group?
Forage primarily offers virtual job simulations that immerse participants in tasks and challenges reflective of real professional roles. These activities range widely in scope and industry focus — from analyzing market trends and preparing financial reports to solving consulting case problems or drafting marketing strategies. For groups, these simulations can be undertaken side-by-side or asynchronously, allowing each person to explore roles that interest them most within the broader context of your collective ambition. Completing these simulations is an engaging activity that improves practical skills such as problem-solving, data analysis, communication, and time management. Furthermore, many programs culminate in certificates or badges that participants can download, adding value to resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Gathering friends for this experience means you can share insights, discuss strategies, and motivate each other to push through challenges, creating a cooperative and stimulating atmosphere. Forage also periodically offers preparatory materials like how-to guides on getting hired, which your group can review together, turning each session into an interactive workshop.
Why is Forage the perfect place for a group meetup?
Forage’s design as a free, accessible, and self-paced virtual learning platform makes it an ideal space for group meetups centered around career exploration and skill-building. Unlike traditional venues that limit interactions to socializing, Forage enables meetups to be productive and meaningful with a clear purpose: growth and development. Its wide range of over 300 job simulations curated by 125+ leading global companies covers diverse fields, ensuring that each person in your group can tailor their learning experience to their aspirations or curiosity. This level of personalization enriches group dynamics as friends can share different perspectives and career insights, broadening everyone’s understanding. Another unique advantage of Forage is the ability to join from anywhere, reducing logistical hurdles and making get-togethers easier to organize whether your friends are across the room or across the world. The platform’s user-friendly interface and well-structured programs allow even those new to career prep to get up to speed quickly, ensuring that your group remains engaged and progressing. By combining virtual engagement with meaningful content, Forage transforms any group meetup into a forward-thinking event that empowers every participant.
How does Forage enhance your career prospects with friends?
One standout reason to choose Forage as your meetup destination is its proven impact on career development, especially when approached as a group activity. Research from users highlights that 87% strongly agree they learned new practical skills, and 99% felt more confident applying to real job roles after completing a Forage simulation. When friends rally together, this confidence multiplies—participants can motivate one another, share feedback, and help clarify confusing parts of the simulations, leading to deeper learning. Additionally, the opportunity to earn free, verified certificates adds concrete proof of job-ready skills on resumes, enhancing employability. Since the programs feature tasks designed by actual employers, the experience gives participants a real taste of job expectations, often clarifying or correcting misconceptions about certain roles before investing efforts in formal applications. Thus, meeting friends and diving into Forage simulations becomes a strategic venture for career advancement, creating a supportive micro-community committed to collective success. Sharing progress and celebrating completed simulations together strengthens your personal and professional bonds within your network.
What makes Forage’s virtual format beneficial for groups?
The flexible, fully virtual, and self-paced nature of Forage’s platform is a key asset that supports group meetups regardless of geographic or scheduling differences. Unlike in-person venues, there is no need to reserve physical space or deal with travel logistics, which can be challenging for larger or geographically dispersed friend groups. Each participant can start and finish simulations based on their pace and availability while still sharing progress updates and insights during your group sessions or chats. This asynchronous style allows you to accommodate different time zones and commitments, making the experience inclusive. Moreover, since all programs are free to use, your group can experiment with multiple simulations without financial pressure, exploring varied career interests in tandem. This format also fosters ongoing engagement, as members can continue learning individually between group gatherings, then come back together to discuss questions, breakthroughs, and lessons learned. The virtual setup removes many common barriers to group learning while adding versatile layers of interaction, turning Forage meetups into a seamless blend of convenience, collaboration, and continuous motivation.
How can Forage’s environment foster deeper conversations and connections?
Beyond just the practical aspects, hosting a meetup at Forage offers a unique social dimension centered on shared learning and mutual support. Career exploration often involves uncertainty, questions, and anxieties that are easier to navigate with trusted friends by your side. As you work through job simulations designed with genuine workplace scenarios, your discussions naturally deepen — comparing experiences, debating problem-solving approaches, and reflecting on industry insights. This environment encourages authentic dialogues about ambitions, challenges, and personal growth goals, creating a safe space for vulnerability and encouragement. Friend groups can leverage these conversations to discover common passions, identify complementary skills, and even plan collaborative projects or networking strategies. Forage’s focus on real career scenarios gives your meetup a purposeful backdrop that strengthens group cohesion and fosters lasting intellectual and emotional connections. Ultimately, this shared journey turns your social interactions into meaningful exchanges that nurture both friendship and professional development.
What should you expect from your first Forage meetup?
For your initial meetup at Forage, expect a session that balances exploration, learning, and social interaction. Beginning with an overview of available simulations and how they are structured, your group will choose programs suited to each member’s interests, setting personal goals for what to accomplish. The session might include an optional walkthrough of how to navigate the platform and tips for maximizing the learning experience. As simulation tasks are undertaken — whether individually or collaboratively — expect lively discussions comparing approaches and sharing tips on problem-solving methodologies. Your friends’ varied career aspirations can also enrich conversation topics beyond the immediate task, like industry trends or interview insights. Given the platform’s intuitive design, even newcomers to job prep will quickly find their footing and feel motivated. By the end of your meetup, everyone will likely have completed parts of their chosen simulations, earned some certificates, and left feeling a sense of accomplishment along with new knowledge to apply in future career pursuits.
How does Forage cater to diverse interests in a group?
One of Forage’s strongest attributes as a meetup destination is its breadth of options catering to various industries and roles, making it ideal when group members have different career interests. Whether your friends are drawn to finance, consulting, engineering, marketing, or technology, Forage’s extensive library of simulations designed by prestigious companies like Citi, Bloomberg, BCG, and JP Morgan allows everyone to find relevant content. This diversity means that each person can focus on skills and scenarios that directly match their passion without feeling boxed in. Meanwhile, the group benefits from diverse perspectives at the discussion table, with each member bringing unique insights from their simulation experiences. Such an exchange broadens everyone’s worldview and understanding of multiple fields, stimulating intellectual curiosity and cross-industry learning. Offering exploration pathways without pressure to conform encourages participation from all group members, regardless of their professional stage or background. This inclusive, varied content makes Forage both a learning hub and a forum for enriching conversations among friends with mixed ambitions.
Why is Forage’s rating important for your decision to meet there?
Forage’s solid rating of 4.4 out of 5 based on 487 reviews reflects a well-regarded platform appreciated by users for its accessibility, quality, and impact. Such a high rating indicates user satisfaction particularly around the ease of use, the relevancy of the simulations, and the value delivered for career preparation. For groups considering a meetup location, these reviews provide confidence that the platform can meet diverse expectations and deliver a positive experience. Users often highlight how the free virtual job simulations help clarify career choices and build practical skills that traditional courses may overlook. Moreover, praise about the supportive community and the motivational boost from earning certificates signals that your meetup will be both productive and enjoyable. While some feedback notes room for improvement, especially around verification of certifications, the majority points to Forage as a trusted, effective way to prepare for the job market. Hosting a meetup at a highly rated platform reduces risk and enhances perceived value, making your time together truly worthwhile.
What long-term benefits can friends gain from meetups at Forage?
Consistently hosting meetups at Forage can generate extensive long-term benefits for friends committed to mutual uplift and career success. Repeated engagement with job simulations builds cumulative skills and deepens understanding of various professional tasks over time, providing measurable growth. Together, your group can track progress, revisit completed modules, and explore advanced challenges, maintaining momentum and accountability. This ongoing investment builds not only individual expertise but also a collective knowledge base your network can draw upon for advice, referrals, and support. Moreover, shared certificates and badges become a portfolio of achievements that can open doors to internships, jobs, or further education. Beyond career gains, these meetups reinforce social bonds, creating a community of motivated peers with aligned goals. The experience also cultivates habits of continuous learning and resilience, critical for navigating today’s fluid job market. Thus, meetups at Forage become a sustainable practice that empowers friends to thrive professionally while strengthening personal connections.
How easy is it to start and sustain a group meetup on Forage?
Starting and sustaining a meetup with friends on Forage is remarkably straightforward thanks to the platform’s user-friendly features and open access policy. There are no fees or complicated registrations beyond signing up, and the simulations are self-paced, eliminating scheduling conflicts. Organizers simply need to choose simulations aligned with their group’s goals and share these options. Since Forage is online, no physical meeting space is necessary, and groups can combine virtual or in-person meetings based on preferences. Communication tools external to Forage—like chat apps or video calls—can complement the experience, enabling real-time collaboration and discussion. The wide variety of programs ensures there is always fresh content to explore, helping meetups avoid staleness. For groups looking to grow, inviting friends or colleagues is simple, as the platform and its benefits are suitable for many levels and backgrounds. This ease of setup and inclusive design means your group can focus on learning and bonding rather than logistics, making Forage an efficient and effective environment for regular gatherings.
Forage offers an innovative, highly rated platform where friends can rally to learn, explore, and grow together through expertly designed virtual job simulations. Its wide-ranging activities, flexible virtual format, and career-focused content deliver a uniquely productive space for group meetups that blend social connection with meaningful professional development. Whether your group seeks to gain real-world skills, earn valuable certificates, or simply support one another’s career journeys, Forage provides an ideal environment to do so. By choosing this dynamic platform for your next meetup, you turn time spent with friends into a powerful investment in your shared futures.