The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast

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 

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

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

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

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 

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 

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

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

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