Here's how you can advocate for yourself with your boss in structural engineering.

Understanding your value is the foundation of advocating for yourself. Evaluate your contributions to the projects, including innovative solutions, successful project completions, and the technical skills you bring to the table. Document your achievements and be prepared to present them as evidence of your value to the team and the organization. Recognizing your worth will give you the confidence needed to communicate effectively with your boss about your career aspirations, salary expectations, or desired responsibilities.

I strongly believe that, knowing your strengths makes you more confident and convencing, because when you are confident its mean you have knowledge and expertise in your respective field, for instance, If ones understand building codes and designs softwares which makes a positive impact on his profession which in result one can easily discuss with his boss for a career growth and that discussion would have a positive outcome.

Before initiating a discussion with your boss, plan your approach carefully. Identify the key points you want to address and the outcomes you hope to achieve. Consider the timing of your conversation—choosing a moment when your boss is not overwhelmed with other issues can be beneficial. Prepare to articulate your value clearly and provide examples that support your case. Practicing your delivery can help you stay composed and focused during the actual conversation. A well-thought-out approach increases the likelihood of a productive and positive discussion about your professional growth and contributions.

As a site structure engineer I myself sometimes find many technical mistakes in Structure drawings which need to be informed to the technical department, and when you are clear about the issue you can easily communicate to the technical department to solve the issue. I have many time noticed technical issues and timely discussed with technical department for smooth work of the project.

In structural engineering one involves in moderate to complex structures, and that need responsible approach to execute those structures with responsibility. But sometimes a site structure engineer face some issues in drawings or in execution, in that scenario he need to addressed those issues to his boss or technical department to resolve the issue. But at the same time the site structure engineer has to give a feasible solution for the issue raised on site and when someone have capability of addressing solution he can be a good structural engineer.

Never lie to or create an excuse for your mistakes. Directly and honestly admit, if you made a mistake. Learn from your past mistakes and never repeat the same mistake. Never blame any one, i.e. the drafts person, the checker, the client, etc. Never accept untested, cheap, solutions. Never accept explanations such as: " I do not know how it works, but trust me it works". The technical explanations such as above is a very slippery slope which only put public safety at risk.