Ask Smart Questions and Stand Out: Initiative in Applications and Work

Updated 2026/10/16

Last month I was invited to speak at a Skyline campus charity talk called “Making It Overseas: Is the Moon Really Rounder Abroad?” The idea I got the most out of that day was initiative: “When you truly want something, the whole universe conspires to help you get it!”

It sounds like a self-help line, but I’ve seen it play out in everyday life, job hunting and school applications. When I applied to MBA programs, I went to all kinds of events (webinars, information sessions, small events run by student clubs). They helped me understand each school’s resources, strengths and culture, and confirm which resources could help me reach my post-graduation goals. They also let the school (alumni, admissions officers, current students) get to know me!

Show Your Initiative in the Interview

In my interview, the interviewer’s eyes lit up the moment I said: “I have done X interviews with alumni and from those conversations have deduced that X university is a great fit for me for following reasons…” It showed more initiative (I had done my homework), built a personal connection, and let me give a more genuine view of the school in the interview, instead of the same information everyone else got online. The more channels you use to learn about a school or a role, the bigger your competitive edge!

Build Connections Through Every Channel You Can

Harry, another speaker at the same Skyline talk, closed with the story of applying to a Cambridge master’s. He had read an article online by an older Cambridge student and reached out to him. That student’s inbox was often flooded because of his posts, but Harry was the only one of all those people who would “Ask Smart Questions”, so he decided to give Harry a hand and invited him to Cambridge’s meetup for incoming Taiwanese students.

At the meetup, everyone took turns introducing themselves as “I’m xxx, a new student in the xxx department.” When Harry’s turn came, he said, “I’m Harry, and I’m applying to Cambridge this year.” The room applauded. He showed initiative and took every chance he got, so the older students were happy to help him. Emailing “Smart Questions,” going to the meetup and looking for every chance to connect are what got Harry into his dream school!

Initiative Isn’t Only for Extroverts

“Extroverts are often seen as more proactive than introverts about going after opportunities.” I don’t agree. Extroversion and going after opportunities may be related to some degree, but being extroverted is not the same as having initiative. Introverts can go after opportunities too. When I apply to schools or jobs, I show initiative by “finding the setting that suits me” in these ways:

1. Take an active part in school webinars or small online events, where I can find the right space to share my views
2. Look for chances to connect online, on forums (Dcard, OfferLand, PTT) or LinkedIn. I start by messaging, then look for a chance to talk in more depth over video or in person
3. Do my homework beforehand to prepare Smart Questions. Then when I connect with seniors or alumni, I know where I’m going, the conversation flows and goes deeper, and I don’t ask silly questions

Above all, find the setting that suits you best and actively look for chances to show your initiative!

The Key to Success: Initiative

“Connections make you stand out!”

This holds for work and everyday life as much as for school applications! That’s why I recommend building a professional LinkedIn profile: it gives you one more channel for connecting with people. For applications, if your LinkedIn profile is complete, alumni you message there are likely to reply with advice, and many will even look over your application materials or do a mock interview with you for free!