The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast

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

Did you know you can use your civil engineering knowledge to make an impact in underserved communities…while traveling abroad? 🤔 Today I interviewed Brittany Margritz from Engineers in Action (EIA), who leads the program that builds pedestrian footbridges in these communities. In this episode, she dives into the work that EIA does, how it works, and how you can join them to go abroad to help build things too, from bridges to water facilities to sewers…you name it! 😉 Tune in to Learn: The work Engineers in Action (EIA) does to help underserved communities abroad From bridges to water: the different types of work you can do at EIA How engineering students, practicing professionals, and firms can join EIA The technical and cultural prep that volunteers need before traveling to EIA's projects How EIA gets approval from local officials...and where funding comes from Brittany's role at EIA and her four-year experience working in Eswatini, Africa How she managed to balance work and life living abroad Her best advice for young engineers to build a career (and life) they enjoy Our Partner: Built Bar Resources Mentioned: PE Course Update (Waiting List) CEA Episode #206 (Brenton Kreiger) CEA Episode #149 (Isaac’s Visit to Kenya) Engineers In Action EIA's Matchmaker Program Bridges to Prosperity CHOICE Humanitarian University of Notre Dame University of Iowa University of Colorado Boulder Connect With Brittany: LinkedIn 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 SimulatorP E Breadth Practice Exams PE Depth Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator Connect With Us: Free CEA Community YouTube Channel Instagram TwitterLinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com

If you’ve failed a few times, you may be considering changing your PE Civil Exam, right? 🤔 That’s what Grant Junghans did to get over this hump once and for all. He failed the Construction exam twice, changed to the Water Resources exam, and then passed it. In this episode, he dives into this journey of switching exams and teaches you all he learned the hard way if you’re thinking of doing the same. 😉 Tune in to Learn: Grant's journey to get his PE license after 3 attempts Why he changed his PE Civil Exam for his third (and last) try 2 things you must do before you go and change your PE Civil Exam His successful exam prep habits you should apply to your own prep How he stayed motivated as a repeat taker How to take practice exams right during your prep for them to actually help you What he enjoyed the most about The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course Theory questions in the Water Resources exam...and how to prep for them How many Alternative-Item Type questions can you expect on your exam? 🤝 Our Partners: Audible ☑️ Resources Mentioned: The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course 100 Bonus Theory Questions 📧 Connect With Grant: LinkedIngrantsjunghans@gmail.com 📚 Our Exam Prep Resources: CEA Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and 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 Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com