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ICE Community blog

6 ways early career professionals can get involved in policy and decision-making

Date
15 January 2025

The Breaking Silos series comes to a close with a look at how to influence the changing policy landscape.

6 ways early career professionals can get involved in policy and decision-making
Early career professionals need support from senior experts and leaders. Image credit: Shutterstock

We are living in an era of rapid technological advancements and complex global challenges.

With this in mind, it’s essential to understand how infrastructure policy and decision-making shape our industry and work.

How can the world get the infrastructure it needs?

Incoming ICE President Jim Hall says: "To build a sustainable future, we must ask ourselves if the world has the infrastructure it needs.

"Effective policy and decision-making are the bedrock of sustainable infrastructure.

“We must ensure our policies are robust, forward-thinking, and inclusive to meet the challenges of the future."

Early career professionals can play a crucial role in this. They can drive change and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.


Watch Prof Hall's Presidential Address


Navigating policy and procedure as an early career professional

First, there’s a few key things to understand about policy.

Purpose of policy and procedure

In the engineering and environmental sectors, policies are guidelines. They set the framework for decision-making.

They ensure public safety, promote sustainability and improve quality of life. Procedures are the specific steps needed to action these policies effectively.

For example, the UK’s Water Resource Management Plans and the Water Industry National Environment Programme are crucial policies that guide sustainable water management.

Procedures would include the detailed actions taken to comply with these plans.

Policy literacy

Understanding the drivers behind policies and procedures is crucial for creating change.

Early career professionals need to understand the motivations and limitations of different stakeholders.

This will enable them to better engage with them and propose well-informed changes.

Early careers in policy and procedure

Early career professionals can have a significant impact in policy and procedure.

By collaborating with policy teams, such as those within the ICE and CIWEM, they can:

  • introduce fresh perspectives and innovative ideas;
  • ensure that policies are forward-thinking and inclusive;
  • help put procedures in place by understanding the specific steps needed to comply with policies;
  • identify practical improvements; and
  • ensure that procedures are followed correctly.

How can early career professionals influence the changing policy landscape?

1. Value of early career voice

The involvement of early career professionals in policy debates is invaluable.

Their unique viewpoints, free from deep-rooted biases, can lead to more practical and creative solutions.

Encouraging them to take part can ensure that policies are more adaptable. And, that they reflect current and future needs.

2. Transparency and accountability

Transparency in decision-making processes helps build trust within the community.

Policy decisions should be made openly and responsibly. 

The procedures and steps they require also need to be transparent and accountable. Early career professionals can make sure this is the case by:

  • documenting processes clearly;
  • providing regular updates; and
  • being open to feedback.

This can foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

To do this, early career professionals need to take initiative. They could get involved in policy discussions, seek a mentor, and take part in professional networks.

3. Challenging the status quo

Challenging existing norms and practices (in a positive way) is essential for progress.

Early career professionals should approach this with a collaborative mindset. The aim should be outcome-led solutions and conflict resolution.

4. Collaboration across specialities

Working with environmental specialists, civil engineers can develop policies that boost climate resilience.

This collaboration ensures that infrastructure projects are not only technically sound but also benefit the environment.

5. Innovation and creativity

Linking policy discussions to innovation and creativity can drive the industry forward.

Early career professionals, with their fresh perspectives, are well-positioned to propose new ideas.

6. Empowerment and confidence

Building confidence among early career professionals is key.

Senior industry members play an important role in supporting this.

Providing platforms for young voices and encouraging them to speak up and challenge existing practices can go a long way.

Early career professionals need your support

Early career professionals can't do all of this alone.

We urge senior leaders and experts to actively engage with and mentor young professionals. And, to foster inclusive environments that encourage their participation in policy initiatives.

By providing guidance and support, experienced leaders can help break down barriers and empower early career professionals.

Working together like this can ensure that our sectors continue to evolve in a resilient way.

As Professor Anusha Shah, ICE Past President, aptly puts it: "Our future depends on the innovative ideas and fresh perspectives of early career professionals.

"By supporting and mentoring them, we can ensure a resilient and sustainable future for our industry."

A point echoed by CIWEM President (2023-2024) Bushra Hussain: "Whatever our views on the effectiveness of global climate summits, the issues we face today cannot be solved unless we all work together, irrespective of where we are in the world.

Reflecting on the Breaking Silos series

The Breaking Silos initiative is a collaboration between the ICE and the CIWEM.

It’s highlighted the importance of working together across disciplines, especially for early career professionals.

The series has brought together young professionals to explore themes like climate resilience, nature-first approaches, people-positive infrastructure, and decision-making.

Each co-authored article has showcased the innovative thinking of early career professionals and why we need to integrate diverse perspectives to tackle today's complex challenges.

Thank you for joining us on this journey.

We hope that the insights and discussions from this series will inspire continued collaboration and innovation across disciplines.

Here’s to a more sustainable and interconnected future!

  • Nuwanthi Thennakoonwela, graduate civil engineer at Mott MacDonald
  • Roshini Mistry, environmental scientist at AtkinsRéalis