
The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast
Welcome to The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast - your ultimate guide to everything related to civil engineering! Our goal is to support you at every stage of your journey to becoming a successful professional civil engineer, and to help you enhance your career and personal life.
We share our expertise and provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed. Join us for informative and engaging discussions on exam preparation strategies, career development, and cutting-edge engineering innovations.
Whether you're preparing to ace the civil FE or PE exam, looking to adv
Latest episodes

Jun 28, 2024 • 28min
An Engineer's Guide to a Purpose Driven Life with Jeff Perry
Picture this: You have a good engineering job. You make decent money. Your family is fine. So, why do you feel unsatisfied with your life and career? 🤔 The answer…you’re not being intentional with either of them.
In this episode, we interview Jeff Perry, a career coach and the author of The Intentional Engineer book. Based on his own life experiences, he’s been working one-on-one with engineers and tech professionals to help them find and build a career that aligns (keyword there!) with their life visions.
Now, he’s put all his frameworks and step-by-step processes to do this into a book. With actionable exercises, the book helps you take a hard look at your life and finally find “career-life fit,” no matter what that looks like to you. 👷
Tune in to Learn:
The common themes among engineers who feel unsatisfied with their careers
2 problems with the current view of "work-life balance”... and the right way to look at it
A real-life example of being an intentional engineer
Why you don’t need a new job with a higher salary to find “career-life fit”
How the book is structured to force you to act on it and find the life and work you want
The surprisingly simple, top-secret tool to being intentional (+ 2 reasons why it works)
What the “zone of genius” is…and how to find yours
Why feedback is a gift and how to process the harsh ones — plus why you should
🤝 Our Partners:
Audible
Builtbar
✅ Resources Mentioned:
The Intentional Engineer Book
The International Engineer Website
The Intentional Engineer LinkedIn Newsletter
CEA Podcast Episode #104 (Jeff Perry)
7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
📧 Connect With Jeff:
LinkedIn
Website
🎁 Freebies:
The 5 Best FE Resources
The Civil PE Startup Guide
FREE CFM® Course Module
📚 Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Courses
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
The Ultimate Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
FE Practice Exams
FE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator
CFM® Practice Exam
📱 Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
LinkedIn
support@civilengineeringacademy.com

Jun 21, 2024 • 22min
Blueprints and Passports: Samia’s Engineering Expedition
From Bangladesh to a P.Eng. in Canada to a PE in the US…Samia Bhuiyan has been proving all the stereotypes wrong across the world! 🌎
In this interview, she shares her incredible journey to become a woman Structural Engineer (we know that’s rare but shouldn't!) and pass her PE Exam as a working mom of two kids! 👶 😲
Any women engineers out there with kids? International women engineers coming to the US? Then give this a listen! 😉
Tune in to Learn:
Her journey to become a PE from Bangladesh to Canada to the US
Coming to the US as an international Structural Engineer
Are the requirements to get the PE the same if you already have the P.Eng.?
Why she failed the PE 1st time…and what changed everything for her 2nd try
3 surprisingly simple exam prep tips to breeze through the PE Exam
How to prove international education and work experience to be able to take the PE
Her strategy for taking practice exams….include The Ultimate CBT Exam Simulator
How to handle “Test questions” on the PE the don’t count toward your score
How to prepare for theory questions on exam day
3 reasons why she recommends The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
What the PMP certification is and when it may be a good addition to your career
Her #1 advice for those preparing for the PE Exam (and it’s not related to studying)
🤝 Our Partners:
Namecheap
Builtbar
☑️ Resources Mentioned:
The Ultimate Civil PE Structural Review Course (Waitlist)
PE CBT Exam Simulator
PMP® CertificationSE Exam, by NCEES
P.Eng Licensure in Canada
University of Alberta
📧 Connect With Samia:
LinkedIn
🎁 Freebies:
The 5 Best FE Resources
The Civil PE Startup Guide
FREE CFM® Course Module
📚 Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
The Ultimate Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
FE Practice Exams
FE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator
CFM® Practice Exam
📱 Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
LinkedIn
support@civilengineeringacademy.com

Jun 14, 2024 • 34min
DeFEating the Odds: A Student’s Battle with the Civil FE Exam
Failed the Civil FE Exam once? Twice? Five times? Well, "don't waste a failure." That’s a mantra Ryan Turley adopted to pass this thing on his 5th attempt! 😲
In this episode, Ryan shares his emotional story of perseverance, from hitting rock bottom and doubting if he was “good enough” for engineering to finally becoming an EIT. If you've been struggling with the FE, Ryan's journey speaks directly to you…and he offers invaluable tips to overcome these repeated setbacks.
Tune in to Learn:
His experience failing the Civil FE Exam 3 times while still in school
Reaching rock bottom after failing it the 4th time around
His successful 5th attempt (and how to get back on your feet after a failure)
3 top-notch tips for repeat takers to get over this hump
The mindset you should have when answering the exams questions
What changes should you make in your studying after a failed attempt?
His strategy for taking practice exams (and what they help you with)
Why is the Civil FE Exam so difficult?
Are the FE Exam questions tricky…on purpose?
What he enjoyed about The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
What having the EIT initials does for you and your career
Why does he recommend The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course?
How much prep do you need for the FE, and how decides it?
🤝 OUR PARTNERS:
Audible
Built Bar
☑️ Resources Mentioned:
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
Civil FE Practice Exams (Vol. 1 & 2)
FE CBT Exam Simulator
Civil PE Review Course Update
FE Civil Exam, by NCEES
"Don't Waste a Failure," by Nick Saban
Harding University
📧 Connect With Ryan:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🎁 Freebies:
The 5 Best FE Resources
The Civil PE Startup Guide
FREE CFM® Course Module
📚 Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
The Ultimate Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
FE Practice Exams
FE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator
Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Practice Exam
📱 Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
LinkedIn
support@civilengineeringacademy.com

Jun 9, 2024 • 29min
The Civil Side of Silicon: A Civil Engineer’s Transition to Tech with Stefanie Reichman
Feeling trapped by “traditional” engineering roles? Do you want a way out to a career you truly enjoy? 🤔 Well, meet Stefanie Reichman, PE!
In this episode, Stefanie shares her journey from dissatisfaction with both the design and project management aspects of engineering to discovering her dream career at Bluebeam that aligns with her life goals. If you’ve been considering a career pivot, whether within the industry or moving to something totally new, this interview has all the guidelines you need to do it right. 😉
Tune in to Learn:
Why she took the FE Exam while in school (Hint: not what you think)
Her journey to pass the PE Construction Exam in the pandemic
From engineering to tech: Her career pivots to find a job she liked
How her application process went and what she does at Bluebeam today
Is the AEC industry good for soon-to-be mothers?
Tips and advice if you’re considering making a career change
The pros and cons of working in the tech industry as a PE
Do you need PDHs even if you don’t use your PE license at work?
What she enjoys the most about her work in tech
Is working at a tech company as good as it’s advertised?
How to start your search for engineering tech jobs the right way
Her resources to help you make a career pivot
🤝 OUR PARTNER:
Audible
☑️ Resources Mentioned:
Free Career Pivot Checklist
Career Pivot Guide
Bluebeam
FAA's Drone License
📧 Connect With Stefanie:
LinkedIn
🎁 Freebies:
The 5 Best FE Resources
The Civil PE Startup Guide
FREE CFM® Course Module
📚 Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
The Ultimate Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
FE Practice Exams
FE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator
📱 Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
LinkedIn
support@civilengineeringacademy.com

May 31, 2024 • 28min
Crushing the PE Construction Exam and Project Management with PJ Rosowski
Taking the PE Construction Exam? Then our interview with Paul Rosowski is for you! He passed one of the most brutal PE civil exams…without a Construction background and specialized in the Renewable Energy field. 😲 In this episode, he dives into his exam prep to help you pass this brutal exam too — plus some tips if you want to go down the Project Management route based on his own experience. 😉
Tune in to Learn:
How he got started preparing for the PE Exam
How long your exam prep should be
His tips for those taking the PE Construction Exam
What he enjoyed the most about The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
His strategy for taking practice exams
A study tip to predict questions that may come your way
How many theory and AIT questions can you expect on the PE Exam?
How getting his PE helped him move up at work, from Engineer to Project Manager
What new professional skills does it take to be a project manager?
Why he recommends Civil Engineering Academy to future PE test-takers
Tips for those interested in getting into the Renewable Energy Industry
☑️ Resources Mentioned:
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
Westwood Professional Services
University of Wisconsin
📧 Connect With Paul:
LinkedIn
Instagram
🎁 Freebies:
The 5 Best FE Resources
The Civil PE Startup Guide
FREE CFM® Course Module
📚 Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
The Ultimate Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
CA Seismic & Survey Courses (Waitlist)
FE Practice Exams
FE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator
📱 Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
LinkedIn
support@civilengineeringacademy.com

May 25, 2024 • 22min
Under Oath: Unraveling Civil Engineering Depositions
Ever got called up to testify in court after a project turned into a legal war? 🤔 Yeah…depositions in Civil Engineering are more common than you think, and you need to be prepared. Today, Mark jumps on to share his firsthand experience with his most recent deposition, plus the key takeaways for both navigating them and safeguarding your career. ⚖️
Tune in to Learn:
What are depositions in Civil Engineering projects?
The best thing to do when "invited" to testify
How do you prepare for a deposition?
What it's like to be in a deposition for a project issue
What should you do if you give a wrong answer?
Why your firm's layer's objection can't save you from giving an answer
The right way to avoid legal issues in your career
Key principles to successfully navigating a deposition
Our Partner:
Audible
Built Bar
OUR Freebies:
The 5 Best FE Resources
The Civil PE Startup Guide
FREE CFM® Course Module
Our Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
The Ultimate Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
CA Seismic & Survey Courses (Waitlist)
FE Practice Exams
FE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator (Updated for 2024 Specs)
Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
LinkedIn
support@civilengineeringacademy.com

May 17, 2024 • 31min
A Tale of Civil Engineering and Global Pursuits with Pei Huang
Are you a foreign woman civil engineer in the US looking to get your PE? 🤔 Then our latest episode with Pei Huang is for you! She came to the US from China for her Master’s, got her PhD too, and passed her PE exam on the first try — while pregnant and working full-time! 😲 In this episode, she reveals her international journey from Environmental to Water Resources to Transportation…all the way to doing real estate on the side (No, not a typo. 😂)
Tune in to Learn:
Why she switched from Water Resources to Transportation Engineering
Why did she go for her PhD (and should you)?
How a PhD eliminates one step on your journey to becoming PE easier
Her exam prep strategy to pass the PE on the first try, pregnant and working full-time
Why working full-time while prepping for the PE Exam is actually a good thing
Challenges and cultural differences she faced being an international woman engineer
Advice for women engineers to thrive in the field
Her two-word piece of advice for young engineers, both men and women
The importance of mentors and the many different ways to find one
The BIG lie of “work-life balance”...and what it truly is.
Our Partner:
Audible
Resources Mentioned:
Silicon Slopes
University of Utah
Connect With Pei:
LinkedIn
Our Freebies:
The 5 Best FE Resources
The Civil PE Startup Guide
FREE CFM® Course Module
Our Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
The Ultimate Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
CA Seismic & Survey Courses (Waitlist)
FE Practice Exams
FE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator
Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
LinkedIn
support@civilengineeringacademy.com

May 10, 2024 • 22min
How Drones Enhance Utility Asset Inspections and Benefit Civil Engineers with Erik Bitzko
Want to build a career in the drone industry…even as a civil engineer? 🤔 Chances are you already have what you need! In this episode, we interview Erik Bitzko, one of the first to ever fly drones (since the Section 333 days! 😲) who pioneered many of the techniques used in the utility world today. He’s now spreading the word all over the country as the Senior Vice President of Electric Utilities at Firmatek and teaches you how you can get into the industry as well.
Tune in to Learn:
How drones are being used in the utility industry and in civil engineering projects
3 interesting uses of drone you’ve never heard of before
How to stay up to date on drone tech and applications
How 3D printers are complement drone usage and application
What are the limitations of drones?
A day in his life as the Vice President of the drone program
The downsides of having working with drones
How you can get in the drone arena by accident” — just as Erik did
The future of drones: have they “crossed the chasm” already?
🤝 Our Partners:
Built BarNamecheap
✅ Resources Mentioned:
Remote Pilot Certificate (FAA's Part 107 Drone License)
Beginner Drone
Texas Memorial Day Floods
Firmatek
📧 Connect With Erik:
LinkedIn
🎁 Our Freebies:
The 5 Best FE Resources
The PE Startup Guide
FREE CFM® Course Module
📚 Our Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
CA Seismic & Survey Courses (Waitlist)
FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator
📱 Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
LinkedIn
isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com

May 3, 2024 • 21min
The Foundation Repair Expert with RK Bob Brown
Calling all Engineers and homeowners out there! 🏠 Today’s interview is with none other than Bob Brown, the foundation repair expert who built, grew, and later sold Arizona Foundation Solutions. Bob’s spent years fixing all types of foundation issues you can imagine, and in this interview, he dives deep into it. From foundation maintenance tips to keep your house safe… all the way to how you as an engineer can carve out a lucrative career in the industry as well. ⛏️
Tune in to Learn:
His journey from a real estate development dream to the foundation repair industry
How he learned concrete foundations without a civil engineering degree
Tools he developed to help engineers in their foundation consulting business
One jaw-dropping aspect of the foundation repair industry you didn't know
A common foundation issue most people get mixed up all the time
Tips for engineers who want to start their own practice...from a guy who did it twice
Basic foundation maintenance tips for homeowners to avoid major headaches
Do cracks automatically mean foundation issues?
How a career in Geotech can be risk-free and lucrative
Our Partner:
Built Bar
Resources Mentioned:
Foundation Repair Secrets Book
Arizona State University
Connect With Bob Brown:
LinkedIn
Website
YouTube Channel
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
OUR FREEBIES:
The 5 Best FE Resources
The PE Startup Guide
FREE CFM® Course Module
Our Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
CA Seismic & Survey Courses (Waitlist)
FE Practice Exams
FE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator
Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
LinkedIn
isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com

Apr 26, 2024 • 24min
The Future of Mass Timber Design with Ricky McLain
From zero to more than 2,000+ projects (and counting). That’s how much mass timber has grown in popularity over the years. 📈 So today, we interview Ricky McLain, a SE who specializes in timber and works at WoodWorks — an organization that provides assistance and continuing education on wood design and construction. If you use mass timber in your projects, this is your chance to pick the brains of one of the experts in the field! 🧠
Tune in to Learn:
What mass timber really is (hint: not what you think)
The hockey stick-like adoption of mass timber in the US
5 benefits of mass timber that make it irresistible
Why mass timber is getting widespread popularity
The biggest misconception about mass timber....debunked
The downsides of mass timber you should take into account
3 tips for those interested in diving into mass timber
What he does today at WoodWorks helping timber projects come to life
Our Partner:
Audible
Resources Mentioned:
CEA Episode #204 (Tallwood Shake Table Test)
WoodWorks Council
Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT)
IBC 2021NDS 2024The Ascent Building, in Milwaukee
University of Maine
Connect With Ricky:
LinkedIn
YouTube Channel
Our Exam Prep Resources:
Main Website
The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course
The Ultimate Civil PE Depth Review Courses
Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course
CA Seismic & Survey Courses (Waiting List)
FE Practice Exams
FE CBT Exam Simulator
PE Breadth Practice Exams
PE Depth Practice Exams
PE CBT Exam Simulator
Connect With Us:
Free CEA Community
YouTube Channel
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com