The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast

Brandon McGill, a specialized recruiter in geotechnical and land development civil engineering, shares insights into today's job market. He highlights the pressing demand for mid-level engineers and the evolving importance of PE licenses. Brandon discusses the shift towards remote work and the need for in-person mentorship, as well as the pros and cons of this new norm. He also provides tips on crafting standout resumes, navigating salary negotiations, and the impact of upcoming changes to the PE Exam on job hunting.

Michael Bempah, an inspiring African-American civil engineer and founder of Pinpoint Precision Engineering, shares his journey from Chicago to entrepreneurship. He discusses the crucial role of civil engineers in daily life and the need for increased awareness in minority communities. Bempah highlights his book, outlining the obstacles new engineers face and the importance of networking. He emphasizes the significance of obtaining a PE license and offers strategies for overcoming career hardships, urging current professionals to spread the word about this vital field.

Want to know how to pass the Civil PE Exam in 3 months or less? 🤔 Then this episode with Taylor Austin is for you! Not only did she do exactly that, but in this interview, she answers the most important question: How?! Taylor is an Environmental Engineer who works at WSP doing environmental compliance work and has recently passed the Water Resources PE Exam. After moving to California to work at the San Diego’s office, she had a small window to get the PE exam done before life in the new place started to happen…and off she went! She crafted a 12-week study plan, blocked off her study time…and just started to grind it out. She studied both before and after work. She went to her office on the weekends to study. She rehearsed the routine she would follow on exam day. She even tried to have the same snacks she would have on exam day! 😲 Crazy — or crazy-brilliant? 🤔 This is your opportunity to pick her brain and learn what works in a good exam prep, what doesn’t work, and how she balanced study with a full-time job that requires her to go out on the field quite often. 🎧 TUNE IN TO LEARN: * What made she realize the PE license was the necessary next step * How she used a Master’s and decoupling to take the PE earlier * Her 12-week study plan to crush the PE Exam with a full-time job * How she got her company to support her exam prep…financially * 5 golden exam prep rules for everyone prepping for the PE * What are the AIT-type questions all about? Calculations? Theory? * What you can expect from theory questions on the exam * How she took practice exams like a pro…and you should, too! * The power of podcasts to help your exam prep * Why she went for The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course 🤝 OUR PARTNERS: Built Bar - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/built Namecheap - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/namecheap ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Ultimate Civil PE Review Courses - https://civilpereviewcourse.com/home ASCE San Diego Chapter - https://sections.asce.org/sandiego WSP - https://www.wsp.com 📧 CONNECT WITH TAYLOR: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-austin-36984613a Email - taylor.austin@wsp.com 🎁 FREEBIES: The 5 Best FE Resources - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/feguide The Civil PE Startup Guide - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/peguide FREE CFM® Course Module -  https://floodplainreviewcourse.com/freemodule 📚 PASS YOUR EXAM WITH THESE: Main Website - https://civilengineeringacademy.com Civil FE Review Course - https://civilfereviewcourse.com Civil PE Review Courses - https://civilpereviewcourse.com/home Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course - https://floodplainreviewcourse.com FE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/fe-exam FE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-fe-cbt-exam-simulator/ PE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/depth-exam PE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-pe-cbt-exam-simulator Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Practice Exam - https://ioakeson.gumroad.com/l/wyeljy 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Free Newsletter - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/newsletter Free Facebook Community - https://ceacommunity.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theceacademy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/civil-engineering-academy Email - support@civilengineeringacademy.com 

Today’s economy is wild! Is inflation holding you back on the financial roadmap you created for yourself, fueled by your engineering career? 🤔 Ryan Sullivan to the (financial) rescue! 🛟 💵 Ryan is a Mechanical Engineer who always had a passion for personal finance and investing. (He even played one of those stock market games in high school. 😅) In his role leading the engineering department at a plumbing company, he realized many other professionals in the building industry had similar money questions and frustrations, but didn’t have the time and energy to dive into those themselves. That’s when Off the Beaten Path Financial was born! He now crafts personalized financial plans for engineers and other AEC professionals to make sure they’re on the right track to achieve their money goals. Even with the bad economy and wages not keeping up with inflation, you can — and should — still find ways to win financially. And for engineers like us, he has the secrets! 😉 TUNE IN TO LEARN: How he chose engineering for a career...and then realized it wasn't for him The job opportunity that got him started in the business side of things The business lesson he used to grow his engineering department to $1M in 5 years What gave him the idea to start his own financial consulting firm on the side How you get started on your business with zero clients...just like he did 2 biggest financial frustrations engineers face today The secret to taking care of your money the right way...and how an advisor helps! His favorite financial tools engineers should consider using The 2 most common (but totally opposite) approaches to money His views on today's (bad) economy...and what you can do about it His No. 1 money advice to engineers of all ages 🤝 OUR PARTNERS: Built Bar - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/built Namecheap - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/namecheap 📧 CONNECT WITH RYAN: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-sullivan-pe Off The Beaten Path Financial - https://www.obpfinancial.com Ryan's Weekly Newsletter - https://www.obpfinancial.com/the-trail-report Email - ryan@obpfinancial.com 🎁 FREEBIES: The 5 Best FE Resources - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/feguide The Civil PE Startup Guide - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/peguide FREE CFM® Course Module - https://floodplainreviewcourse.com/freemodule 📚 PASS YOUR EXAM WITH THESE: Main Website - https://civilengineeringacademy.com Civil FE Review Course - https://civilfereviewcourse.com Civil PE Review Courses - https://civilpereviewcourse.com/home Civil PE Depth Review Courses - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/civil-pe-depth-review-courses Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course - https://floodplainreviewcourse.com FE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/fe-exam FE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-fe-cbt-exam-simulator/ PE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/depth-exam PE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-pe-cbt-exam-simulator Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Practice Exam - https://ioakeson.gumroad.com/l/wyeljy 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Free Newsletter - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/newsletter Free Facebook Community - https://ceacommunity.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theceacademy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/civil-engineering-academy Email - support@civilengineeringacademy.com

What is it like to work on big, headline-making projects? You know, the big stadiums, the tallest buildings, the one-of-a-kind structures? 🤔 This interview with Muhammad Abrar has the answers! He’s a Structural  Engineer working at a global firm and designing some cool (and really complex) stuff in Dubai…including what will be the world’s largest project of its kind after completion! 😲 If you’re leaning towards a career as a Structural Engineer, or are already on this path, then you need to listen to this. Here’s why… 👇 He goes deep into what he’s learned over the years from entry-level engineer all the way to Structural Engineer to help you shorten your path to success in the field. 😉 He dives into 5 tips every Structural Engineer should live by, how to approach the complexity of structural designs…and the sensitive topic of how AI will impact you as a Structural Engineer. 😨 TUNE IN TO LEARN: How Prison Break led him to a career in structural engineering The one thing driving structural designs today The future of the Structural Engineer's role with AI His approach to solving complex structural problems 5 success tips for any entry-level (and soon-to-be) Structural Engineer His favorite project so far...and the biggest of its kinds in the world! How's the engineering licensing process in Dubai? Is your PE license valid in Dubai if you want to work there? The power of BIM modeling...and how to use it for more than construction Are soft skills necessary for technical engineers? The impact of networking...plus where (and how) to do it Insider information on the soon-to-be biggest waterpark on the planet! 🤝 OUR PARTNER: Audible - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/audible ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Aquarabia Water Park - https://aquarabiaqiddiyacity.com/en Dubai Engineering Qualification System - https://www.dm.gov.ae/municipality-business/dubai-engineering-qualification-system-guide BIM Modeling - https://www.autodesk.com/solutions/aec/bim 📧 CONNECT WITH MUHAMMAD: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-abrar-se 🎁 FREEBIES: The 5 Best FE Resources - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/feguide The Civil PE Startup Guide - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/peguide FREE CFM® Course Module -  https://floodplainreviewcourse.com/freemodule 📚 PASS YOUR EXAM WITH THESE: Main Website - https://civilengineeringacademy.com Civil FE Review Course - https://civilfereviewcourse.com Civil PE Review Courses - https://civilpereviewcourse.com/home Civil PE Depth Review Courses - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/civil-pe-depth-review-courses Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course - https://floodplainreviewcourse.com FE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/fe-exam FE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-fe-cbt-exam-simulator/ PE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/depth-exam PE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-pe-cbt-exam-simulator Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Practice Exam - https://ioakeson.gumroad.com/l/wyeljy 📱 CONNECT WITH US!Free Newsletter - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/newsletter Free Facebook Community - https://ceacommunity.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theceacademy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/civil-engineering-academy Email - support@civilengineeringacademy.com 

Ever wondered what it would feel like to start and run your own engineering firm? Have you already considered it, but the downsides keep you from taking the leap? 🤔 Then this episode is for you! 👇 Today, Ramin Parsi shares his entrepreneurial journey as an engineer to build Pro Engineering Consulting with his dad, a MEP firm with more than 60 employees and licensed in more than 33 states now (and counting!).  This episode is a goldmine of ideas and packed with lessons regarding what it really takes to build an engineering business…from a guy who’s in the trenches doing it every day. If you want to learn more about how you could start your own business, and manage it profitably, you’ll want to listen to this one. 😉 TUNE IN TO LEARN: What does MEP stand for? Why civil engineers need to interact with MEP all the time The biggest challenge engineers face when running a firm A "must-get" before you even think about starting your own firm How merging with his dad's business gave them a competitive advantage Balancing the engineering and the business day-to-day tasks 3 tips to run a family business profitably The surprisingly simple trick to drive consistent sales 2 AI tools that turn time-consuming business tasks into nothing 2 lessons that make all the difference...but he learned the hard way The business achievement any owner should be most proud of 🤝 OUR PARTNER: Audible - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/audible ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: UpCodes Copilot feature - https://up.codes/features/ai University of Colorado, Boulder - https://www.colorado.edu 📧 CONNECT WITH RAMIN: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramin-parsi-31712530 Pro Engineering Consulting - https://www.proengc.com 🎁 FREEBIES: The 5 Best FE Resources - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/feguide The Civil PE Startup Guide - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/peguide FREE CFM® Course Module -  https://floodplainreviewcourse.com/freemodule 📚 EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Main Website - https://civilengineeringacademy.com Civil FE Review Course - https://civilfereviewcourse.com Civil PE Review Courses - https://civilpereviewcourse.com/home Civil PE Depth Review Courses - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/civil-pe-depth-review-courses Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course - https://floodplainreviewcourse.com FE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/fe-exam FE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-fe-cbt-exam-simulator/ PE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/depth-exam PE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-pe-cbt-exam-simulator Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Practice Exam - https://ioakeson.gumroad.com/l/wyeljy 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Free Newsletter - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/newsletter Free Facebook Community - https://ceacommunity.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theceacademy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/civil-engineering-academy Email - support@civilengineeringacademy.com

Passing the Civil PE Exam after 20+ years? 😲 That’s a huge feat already. But doing this as a Mechanical Engineer with no civil engineering background whatsoever…that’s a whole nother level! 🤯 In this episode, we interview Joe Ebinger, a mechanical engineer by education who’s been working in the civil engineering industry for 21 years. Because of his job, he decided to go for the Civil PE Exam, which came with one (big) problem: he knew very little about the heavy civil topics we learn in school, like concrete and transportation. 😨 “I never studied to pass the exam. I studied to become a Professional Engineer.” With this mindset, he decided to teach himself the topics in which he lacked. Even though it might’ve taken him a bit longer to study and fully prepare…he made it! His journey is an inspirational story to every PE test-taker. If you’re well into your career, he did it in his late 40s. If you’re a mechanical engineer, he’s living proof you can pivot. Check out our interview with Joe. It’s awesome! TUNE IN TO LEARN: From Mechanical to Truss Engineer in the civil world (Painful) Lessons learned delaying the FE and PE exams What studying for the PE Exam really means and entails from you The most important thing when managing your study time One thing you need to build during your prep so the knowledge comes The test-taking strategy you need to use on exam day Why 70% on the PE Exam is not enough for an Engineer How he found Civil Engineering Academy and why he went with it His approach to studying civil topics he didn’t know a thing about What you should do before taking practice exams The right way to take practice exams Why it’s important to have people on your corner Does he recommend the Civil Engineering Academy? ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Civil PE Structural Exam - https://ncees.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Civ-Str-April-202441.pdf PE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-pe-cbt-exam-simulator CEA Newsletter - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/newsletter Mercer University - https://www.mercer.edu 📧 CONNECT WITH JOE: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-ebinger-b7802468 🎁 FREEBIES: The 5 Best FE Resources - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/feguide The Civil PE Startup Guide - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/peguide FREE CFM® Course Module -  https://floodplainreviewcourse.com/freemodule 📚 EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Main Website - https://civilengineeringacademy.com Civil FE Review Course - https://civilfereviewcourse.com Civil PE Review Courses - https://civilpereviewcourse.com/home Civil PE Depth Review Courses - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/civil-pe-depth-review-courses Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course - https://floodplainreviewcourse.com FE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/fe-exam E CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-fe-cbt-exam-simulator/ PE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/depth-exam PE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-pe-cbt-exam-simulator Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Practice Exam - https://ioakeson.gumroad.com/l/wyeljy 📱 CONNECT WITH CEA: Free Newsletter - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/newsletter Free Facebook Community - https://ceacommunity.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theceacademy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/civil-engineering-academy Email - support@civilengineeringacademy.com 

1.8 million. That’s how many people in Nicaragua (alone) still don't have access to clean, drinking water. 😲 In this episode, we interview Renata Aleman from Project Schoolhouse, a nonprofit that helps bring clean water and schools to remote areas in Nicaragua. She shares the harsh reality of many others that we tend to overlook, and the many ways people, especially engineers, can get involved to help the cause with their knowledge and experience. Tune in to Learn: What Project Schoolhouse is all about Nicaragua’s harsh reality without clean water How engineers and firms can get involved to help the cause What does the volunteer work look like in Nicaragua Project Schoolhouse's ambitious goal (+ its huge price tag) Her most favorite aspect of working at the organization The second branch of Project Schoolhouse’s mission 🤝 OUR PARTNER: Audible - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/audible ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: "A Long Walk" Short Film - https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/a-long-walk CEA Episode #149 (Isaac’s Trip with CHOICE Humanitarian) - https://youtu.be/0xs8Qx4M-pE?si=EE6uNkx7ZMfAkvtv 📧 CONNECT WITH PROJECT SCHOOLHOUSE: Volunteer - https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/careers-and-volunteer-opportunities Donate - https://projectschoolhouse.org/donate LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-schoolhouse Instagram (@projectschoolhouse) - https://www.instagram.com/projectschoolhouse Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ProjectSchoolhouse Newsletter - https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/newsletter-signup Contact Page - https://www.projectschoolhouse.org/get-involved Email - info@projectschoolhouse.org 📧 CONNECT WITH RENATA: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/renataaleman 🎁 FREEBIES: The 5 Best FE Resources - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/feguide The Civil PE Startup Guide - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/peguide FREE CFM® Course Module - https://floodplainreviewcourse.com/freemodule 📚 EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Main Website - https://civilengineeringacademy.com Civil FE Review Course - https://civilfereviewcourse.com Civil PE Review Courses - https://civilpereviewcourse.com/home Civil PE Depth Review Courses - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/civil-pe-depth-review-courses Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Review Course - https://floodplainreviewcourse.com FE Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/fe-exam FE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-fe-cbt-exam-simulator/ PE Breadth Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/breadth PE Depth Practice Exams - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/depth-exam PE CBT Exam Simulator - https://civilengineeringacademy.thrivecart.com/cea-civil-pe-cbt-exam-simulator Floodplain Manager (CFM®) Practice Exam - https://ioakeson.gumroad.com/l/wyeljy 📱 CONNECT WITH CEA: Free Newsletter - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/newsletter Free Facebook Community - https://ceacommunity.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theceacademy LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/civil-engineering-academy Email - support@civilengineeringacademy.com

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

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