Transferable Skills Case Study
Innovation
Innovation is about coming up with new ideas and finding creative solutions to problems. It involves experimenting, taking risks and learning from trial and error. Being innovative is the ability to look at a challenge and think, “How else could this be done?” - whether it involves creating something entirely new or improving the way things are usually done.
Where can I find this in the skills language?
Creation > Creative output or approach
Creation > Design output or approach
Why does this skill matter?
Innovation helps you tackle challenges in university, work and everyday life. It encourages you to think differently, adapt to new situations and solve problems in ways that others might not consider. Being innovative builds confidence, creativity and resilience, preparing you to take on complex tasks and unexpected challenges.
Where will you use this skill at university and beyond?
… as part of your degree
You practise innovation when you explore new ideas for essays or projects, approach debates from a different angle, or propose your own solutions to problems.
… as part of the wider student experience
Innovation can be practised when taking part in student-led enterprises, start-up projects or entrepreneurial competitions. You might develop a new product or service idea, find creative ways to raise funds for a society, or design an event that solves a problem in a fresh way.
… as a professional in the future
At work, innovation can involve improving processes, developing new products or services, or suggesting creative solutions to problems. Thinking differently and challenging the status quo is something that is valued across industries.
Student insight
“One thing that helps me stay innovative is stop aiming for ‘right’ answers. No answer is subjectively wrong, just different. My best work often comes when I ignore the usual route and take an instinctive one.”
~ Student from the School of Education
How can you evidence this skill?
You might be able to evidence this skill through:
- Proposing an unexplored research question
- Suggesting a new idea during an internship that improves a process or outcome
- Changing the approach to a task or project that increases efficiency
- Combining insights from learning or experiences to solve a problem
How else might employers describe this skill?
You might also hear this skill described as…
- Creative thinking
- Problem solving
- Experimentation
- Growth mindset
- Curiosity
- Risk taking
What are some example interview questions that feature this skill?
- Tell us about a time you proposed a new idea that challenged the usual way of doing things.
- Describe a time you took a risk. What did you learn from this?
- How have you handled resistance to your innovative ideas?
- Give an example of when your creative solution made a positive impact.
What does a good response look like?
Question
Tell us about a time you proposed a new idea that challenged the usual way of doing things.
Response
Situation: During my job as a promoter at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, I noticed that our usual approach of standing in busy central streets was not effective, as many people avoided taking flyers.
Task: I wanted to improve engagement and increase attendance for the shows by finding a more effective way to reach potential audiences.
Action: I suggested a more targeted approach by positioning our team at natural bottlenecks, such as narrow walkways and entry points, where people were more likely to engage. I also proposed combining flyers for two shows into one interaction, making the exchange more worthwhile for passers-by and increasing overall reach.
Result: After implementing these changes, engagement improved significantly and both shows saw a noticeable increase in attendance. This experience reinforced my confidence in challenging established approaches and using creative thinking to improve outcomes.