From calculations to decisions: engineering judgement, confidence and influence

Overview

Technical competence is essential, but engineering careers increasingly demand more than correct calculations and drawings. Engineers must learn to test assumptions, recognise uncertainty, understand interfaces and communicate concerns clearly.

This webinar explores how engineering judgement develops as engineers progress from producing designs to reviewing, assuring and influencing them. Drawing on practical experience from civil design assurance in the UK energy sector, Alexandra will discuss how apparently compliant solutions can still raise questions around safety, constructability, maintainability, residual risk and sustainability.

The session will also examine the confidence required to challenge assumptions respectfully, express a technical opinion and make decisions when the available information is incomplete. It will consider safety by design, the CDM and Principal Designer mindset, and the value of asking the right question at the right time.

Alongside the technical perspective, Alexandra will share lessons learnt, including how professional visibility, mentoring and speaking opportunities can support career progression. The webinar is intended for students, graduate engineers and practising professionals across civil engineering disciplines.

Programme

• Welcome and introduction

• From technical competence to engineering judgement

• Design assurance in practice: questioning assumptions, interfaces and risk

• Confidence, communication and professional influence

• Career lessons

• Questions and discussion