Initiative

Initiative combines the ability to spot opportunities to make a difference with the courage to take action without being prompted by others. You may be creating something which doesn't exist or improving the way things are currently done and you will probably need to demonstrate other skills which may include resilience, determination, creativity, influencing and more. "Self-starters" who can use their initiative are highly sought after in the workplace.

Activities where you could develop initiative

Your degree course will provide many opportunities to use your initiative from simply reading beyond the set texts to finding new approaches to group or individual projects, to developing new activities as a PASS leader. Look for ways to apply your degree skills and knowledge outside your course, such as setting up an online magazine or other public engagement activities to enthuse others about your subject, or trying out your programming skills in a group hackathon.

The following activities can also provide good opportunities to practise using your initiative:

  • Enterprise Modules Gain a practical insight into self-employment and help develop business skills.
  • Manchester Leadership Programme Academic module open to most undergraduate students at Manchester.
  • Enterprise Challenge Academic module open to most undergraduate students at Manchester.
  • Enactus Opportunity to form a team to implement your own idea for a worthwhile project which makes an impact on the community.
  • Volunteering Gives you the chance to develop a range of skills while giving something back to the community. Use your initiative to make speculative applications and make the most of the experience.
  • Work Experience Develop a range of skills and build up your experience whilst at university. Use your initiative to make speculative applications and make the most of the experience.
  • Work Shadowing Short-term activity, a day or two, to gain an insight into a particular role or industry. Use your initiative to make speculative applications and make the most of the experience.

How is Initiative assessed in recruitment?

Application form and interview questions

Some examples of application form and interview questions which are designed to test your initiative:

  • Tell me about a time when you spotted an opportunity to suggest a change. How did you put this forward and what was the outcome?
  • Give me an example of when your initiative and quick thinking stopped a problem escalating.
  • When have you had to use your initiative to cope with a change in circumstances?

If you are unsure how to structure an answer for either application or interview questions, visit the application and interviews section of our website and find out about the CAR (context, action, result) and STAR (situation, task, action, result) models. Our recommendations are based on feedback from employers.

Assessment centres

  • Your initiative may be tested at assessment centre through role play and group activities. Assessors will examine your ability to come up with ideas and recommendations within a strict time frame.
  • Additionally as part of a presentation exercise, being able to answer questions imaginatively at the end of the presentation, would demonstrate that you can think of your feet and use your initiative.