Analytical thinking and problem solving skills

Using your initiative is very much focused on making things happen and putting ideas into action. These ideas are unlikely to provide evidence of initiative in a written application, but they might be things you reference at interview.

• Suggest activities to do with your group of friends, and make it happen. Don’t just be responsive.
• Try not to over-think things and avoid getting stuck - start by investing 2 minutes to read The Mistake Smart People Make.
• Identify minor problems in your department/college that could be changed and share ideas and seek support from others, for example, on issues which affect your mail room, catering, or welfare support.
• Recognise when you need support or advice and actively seek help - for example, see a Careers Adviser to get started on your planning or to find new ideas on how to move forwards.
• Look for workshops on developing your confidence and assertiveness to help you become more proactive.

These are all quick ways you could take the initiative, and you could refer to in applications.

• Solve a problem, or make something new happen in your college, department, or in a society.
• Organise some work shadowing or do a Micro-internships at the end of next term.
• Find events and workshops on entrepreneurship, for example through EnSpire.
• Attend a career fair having first identified the firms that you most want to speak to.
• Arrange an information interview with an alumnus working in your sector of interest, perhaps at a career fair, or finding them through social media.

• Volunteer – for example with Nightline, or with local community initiatives through Oxford Hub.
• Learn, or teach yourself, a new skill that you really want to learn - pick something that you will enjoy or which offers its own rewards.
• Create a new speaker series for your department or a society.
• If you have a business idea, identify skill building opportunities within Oxfordshire-based societies, enterprises and organisations through Oxford’s EnSpire
• Identify your own research project to meet your programme requirements.
• Support a cause that's important to you, for example, organise an event or group to raise some funds.
• Develop and produce your own creative project(s), perhaps in collaboration with others or for a society.   

Many of the ideas above can grow into long-term commitments. Focus on ideas or issues that are important or which give you a sense of accomplishment and energy, so that your sustain your commitment. For example:  

• Start a campaign about something you care about, and get others involved.
• Start your own business or social enterprise.
• Set up a society, journal or club.
• Set up an Oxford student arm of a professional organisation or a charity.