Leadership and influence skills

These ideas are ways to start thinking about leadership. You’re unlikely to use these as evidence of leadership skills in a written application, but they might be things you reference in conversation at interview.

• Suggest activities to do with your group of friends and make it happen. Don’t just be responsive
• Read biographies, listen to/watch shows, podcasts, TED Talks etc. featuring leaders you admire
• Attend lectures/webinars with people who are leaders in their fields when they visit Oxford – at the Oxford Union, your department, college, societies etc. 

There aren't many "short-term" activities that you can do, as most leadership roles require commitment. However here are some ways you can start developing leadership skills, that you could refer to in applications.

• Organise a team to enter a competition, or a charity run
• Become a “parent” for Freshers in your college/department
• Organise a holiday for yourself and a group of friends

• Propose and facilitate events/conferences
• Supervise others during a part-time job or vacation work
• Volunteer with youth organisations

• Take a position of responsibility in your college Common Room or department. If you are Research Staff, Oxford’s Research Staff Society
• Become president of a student society/sports team, or take a senior role where you work with and lead others
• Produce or direct a play or other creative events
• Take an editorial position for a publication
• If you’re a researcher or professional services member of university staff, you can join the IDEA Board Experience Programme and apprentice with a University of Oxford-linked company for up to a year.