How to improve your independent working for school and work

Independent working is an essential skill both at school and work. It means the ability to complete tasks on your own, without constant supervision or support.

That might sound scary when it comes to working life. Maybe you’re wondering how you’re supposed to work independently when you’ve never had a job before! The good news is – you work independently every day at school, so you’ve got bags of experience.

‘Whether you’ve worked on an art project or solved a maths problem, independent working is a great skill you can already demonstrate to employers!’

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What is independent working?

Independent working is all about being able to get on with your work without constant guidance from your teacher – or, at work, your manager.

It’s related to other employability skills. For example, to work independently, you need to be able to manage your own workload – that means you need good time management. It also means solving problems on your own and having the initiative to come up with your own solutions.

In a nutshell, independent working is about being proactive and taking responsibility for your own work and learning.

Independent working at school

You already work independently every day at school – and you’ll find it’s a skill you’re expected to develop more and more over time, as you progress form GCSE to A-level/equivalent.

Homework is a great example of independent working. Love it or loathe it, if you’ve ever managed to get your homework in on time (and we’re assuming you have!), and get at least some of the answers right, you’ve already demonstrated the ability to work independently.

Similarly, coursework – whether in biology, English or geography – is another example of where you need to do a lot of independent work to get the job done. You’ll come up with a plan, carry out research, field work or experiments, then write up your findings in a report.

Independent working at work

Independent working is highly valued by employers across industries. Whether you’re starting your first job, beginning an apprenticeship, or completing an internship or work experience placement, being able to work independently shows your employer that you’re reliable, trustworthy, and capable of managing your tasks without constant supervision.

That might sound scary – but please remember that your employer won’t expect you to be able to do your job independently on day one! They want to see that you’re able to listen to instructions and follow guidance, then give it a go.

Working independently doesn’t mean never asking for help. The chances are your boss won’t leave you to do something on your own unless they think you’re capable – or if it’s not safe. And when you’re new, they will usually check your work once you’ve had a go. But if you’re not sure, you should always err on the side of caution and ask for help.

How to improve your independent working skills

Improving your ability to work independently takes practice and dedication. Here are some tips to help you develop this skill:

• Set clear goals: Having a clear idea of what you need to achieve can help you stay on track. Break big tasks into smaller, manageable parts and tackle them step by step.
• Create a schedule: Time management is crucial to independent working. Use tools like planners or digital calendars to organise your tasks and set deadlines.
• Ask for feedback: Whether from your boss or colleagues, feedback isn’t the same as criticism. It will help you learn, and mean that you’re better placed to complete tasks independently in the future.
• Build confidence: Self-doubt can be a barrier to independent working, especially when you’re new. Remember you got the job because you are qualified and capable.
• Stay disciplined: Social media and even workplace gossip can be a distraction and stop you from working without supervision. If your workplace is full of distractions, find somewhere quiet to work – and switch off your phone!

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