University is full of opportunities to learn. Not just academically, but personally and professionally as well. Alongside developing subject knowledge, you're also building the habits, behaviours, and mindset qualities that employers value long after you've graduated.
Some of the qualities that can make a big difference to your employability are drive and initiative.
Maybe you've spotted a way to improve a group project but weren't sure whether to you should speak up. Or perhaps you've delayed starting an assignment because you’re used to a teacher telling you what to do. You might also have wondered whether it's worth applying for an opportunity because you don't feel quite “ready” yet.
These are common feelings and behaviours that can hold you back from reaching your full potential.
It’s important to remember that developing drive and initiative isn't about always being the loudest person in the room or constantly taking on extra work you can’t handle. Instead, it's about being willing to take positive action, even when the next step feels uncertain. The good news is that these behaviours can be developed and built-up over time through small, consistent actions.
What do we mean by drive and initiative?
Although they're often discussed together, drive and initiative describe slightly different qualities.
Drive is your motivation to achieve your goals. It helps you stay focused when work becomes challenging, recover from setbacks, and continue making progress over time.
Initiative is the ability to recognise opportunities, solve problems and take action without waiting for someone else to tell you what to do. It involves being proactive, thinking ahead and taking ownership of your own learning and development.
These qualities can help you succeed during your studies and become increasingly valuable as you move into placements, internships, and employment.
Why do employers value it?
Employers are looking for more than technical knowledge alone.
Graduates are expected to adapt to new situations, solve unfamiliar problems, and work effectively with others. Being able to demonstrate initiative shows you're willing to engage with challenges, think independently and contribute positively to a team.
This reflects wider thinking across higher education. Many universities encourage students to develop skills such as self-management, collaboration and independent learning alongside their academic studies. Similarly, the OECD's Learning Compass 2030 highlights learner agency – the ability to take responsibility for your own learning – as an important skill for lifelong learning and future employability.
Remember that this doesn't mean having all the answers or taking on responsibilities beyond your role. It means recognising where you can make a positive contribution.
How can I develop drive and initiative?
Like many professional skills, drive and initiative develop through regular practice rather than one significant moment. Placements, internships, volunteering, part-time work, and extracurricular activities all provide opportunities to strengthen these behaviours, but you can start developing them throughout your university experience.
Be curious
Curiosity is often the starting point for initiative.
Instead of stopping once you've completed the required reading, explore an additional article that interests you. Ask questions during lectures or seminars when something isn't clear. If a topic captures your attention, investigate it further or discuss it with your tutor.
Being curious helps you develop confidence in your own thinking, making it easier to take initiative in future situations.
Start before you feel ready
It's easy to wait until you feel completely prepared before beginning an assignment or applying for an opportunity, but research by psychologist Albert Bandura suggests that confidence develops through action rather than appearing before an action. Successfully completing small, manageable tasks strengthens our belief in our ability to succeed, making us more willing to tackle larger, future challenges.
Use feedback
Receiving feedback can sometimes feel uncomfortable, particularly if you're focusing on the areas that need improvement. However, feedback is one of the most valuable opportunities for learning.
Rather than viewing feedback as a judgement of your ability, try to see it as information that helps you develop. Reflect on any recurring themes, ask questions if something isn't clear, and think about how you can apply suggestions to future work.
Actively seeking and using feedback demonstrates responsibility for your learning.
If you need help, the University has resources to help you understand your feedback.
Make the most of opportunities
University offers many opportunities beyond your academic programme.
Whether you attend employer events, participate in workshops, join a society, volunteer in the local community, or take part in mentoring schemes, these experiences allow you to develop confidence while building valuable transferable skills.
Demonstrating drive and initiative in the workplace
As you move into placements, internships, or graduate roles, drive and initiative often become more visible.
You might demonstrate them by:
- Preparing for meetings rather than arriving without context.
- Offering support to colleagues when your own tasks are finished.
- Identifying problems and suggesting practical solutions to them.
- Looking for ways to improve existing processes.
- Asking questions that help you understand how your work contributes to wider organisational goals.
At the same time, good initiative also involves good judgement. Being proactive doesn't mean making decisions that sit outside your responsibilities or without permission. Knowing when to act independently and when to seek guidance is an important professional skill in itself. If you would like to test your knowledge of drive and initiative in the workplace, try this self-access activity.
Final thoughts
University isn't only about gaining knowledge. It's also about developing the confidence to take responsibility for your own learning and recognising opportunities to contribute.
Drive and initiative aren't fixed personality traits that some people naturally possess. They are behaviours that develop through experience, reflection, and practice.
Each lecture, group project, or part-time job provides another chance to help you strengthen these skills.
The next time you finish a task or find yourself wondering what to do next, pause for a moment and ask yourself:
“What's one constructive action I could take next?”
One small step is often enough to build that momentum, strengthen your confidence, and gradually develop the professional mindset that will support you throughout your career.
Respond
