Engineering Education Australia is running an online short course - Introduction to Boards - with geological and environmental engineer Stacey Daniel FIEAust CPEng NER. The course examines what you bring to the boardroom as an engineer. 

The work of a board director or committee member can be rewarding, particularly when you’re able to make a difference by improving the outcomes of an organisation and generating value for beneficiaries.  

As we face increasing uncertainties and complexities in our world, clear and effective decision making is becoming harder.   

With boards and committees responsible for setting strategic direction and providing business oversight, diverse perspectives including professional and technical input, are essential for healthy discussions and well-informed decisions.  

Technical diversity  

Historically, due to compliance requirements, boards often comprised lawyers and accountants. To adequately address the issues of contemporary organisations, there are many other professional and technical inputs which may be required. These could include human resources, marketing, science and engineering.   

Studies have shown that few engineers or even STEM professionals occupied board roles. 

A well-balanced board will comprise a skill mix that reflects the status and strategic direction of the organisation. Where a group of decision makers are responsible for physical or IT assets, the organisation benefit from having such technical expertise reflected around the board table. This is where engineering can add value.

Engineering value   

Like any profession, there are a wide range of engineering skill sets that vary between individuals including some that have advanced strategic skills in addition to their technical expertise.    

The value such engineers can bring to a board is a unique suite of qualities and attributes including critical thinking, analytical thinking, creative abilities and collaborative approaches.   

This makes engineers highly prized for leadership positions. Engineers are ideal for bridging the gap between technical and non-technical matters, solving problems, reducing risks, planning strategically and developing innovative products and systems. 

Engineers also often work in multidisciplinary teams and manage the delivery of large projects. These collaborative and administrative skills can be easily transferred to a board and committee environment.   

Society and organisations need engineers to realise their value and the impact they can generate by stepping up and throwing their hat in the ring for these leadership roles.  

Boards and committees can benefit from engineers asking tough questions to address strategic risks, analysing data and helping determine decisions about various options. This requires a relevant and balanced mix of skills around the table to adequately assess and form judgements on a range of key matters and directions.   

Engineers on boards   

Drawing on your professional skills for roles other than your day-job can be rewarding. This is particularly the case where you can contribute to the positive work and outcomes of boards and committees.   

If you’re keen to get yourself a Board position, or learn a bit more about the process - Engineering Education Australia is running an online short course with member Stacey Daniel, Introduction to Boards.