The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Are you just a few years into your career and thinking about going down the Structural Engineering route? 🤔 Then our latest interview is a must! Colten Johnson is a Structural Engineer who started and now leads his own structural firm. He also runs PE4Free, a platform built to help young engineers thrive in the professional world and pass their exams. Tune in to Learn: How he passed the FE exam under work pressure due to project requirements The challenges of being the Lead Engineer in structural projects  The technical vs leadership sides of engineering: which one should you choose? What needs to change in the Structural Engineering industry today  His strategy to overcome the downsides of the industry's status quo How Structural Engineers can leverage the power of augmented reality How ChatGPt will impact your preparation for your exams His experience starting a firm....and what you should know before you do it Tips for engineers to use LinkedIn right How to know if it's time to shake things up a bit in your career The best way to improve yourself professionally His platform to help young engineers thrive and pass their exams 🤝 Our Partners: Audible ☑️ Resources Mentioned: Flint Engineering Company CEA Episode #187 (Sol Rosenbaum) Sol Rosenbaum’s LinkedIn 📧 Connect With Colten: LinkedIn PE4Free on Spotify PE4Free on Apple Podcasts PE4Free on Google Podcasts 📚 Our Exam Prep Resources: 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 CommunityFree NewsletterYouTube ChannelInstagramLinkedInisaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Passing the FE Civil Exam 18 years out of school, well into your late 30s, and coming from a non-technical career as a Lutheran Minister? 😱 That’s exactly what Zach Parris just recently did! 👷 In this episode, he dives into this quiet original journey into the field, his FE experience, as well as tips he learned the hard way for anyone taking the FE “later” in life.   Tune in to Learn: His surprising journey from engineering graduate to pastor to roadway engineer What he regrets doing in college regarding the FE Exam What it was like taking the FE Exam 18 years out of school What preparing for the FE exam is really about — and it's not knowledge How much prep time do you need for the FE if you've been out of school for a while? His advice for other experienced engineers to pass the FE exam "later" in their career What he enjoyed the most about The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course How his Lutheran Minister skills translates into his engineering work Pros and cons of switching into civil engineering from non-technical work   🤝 Our Partners: AudibleBuilt Bar   ☑️ Resources Mentioned: Our FE Review Course Our PE Course Update Waitlist The FE CBT Exam Simulator Clemson UniversityUniversity of Colorado, Boulder   📚 Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and 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 Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Our latest episode with Vince Marvin, PE, SE is  a gold mine for everyone interested in a career in Structural Engineering! He answers questions every Structural Engineer has, based on his own journey. How do you learn the ropes out of college? Do you need a master’s degree? Is the PE needed? Should you go for the SE, even with the low pass rates? 🤔 It’s all here! 👷 Tune in to Learn: Grad school vs work experience: which one matters most for Structural Engineers? Do Structural Engineers really need the PE license? The importance of the SE for Structural Engineers Can you take the SE without taking the PE first? What's it like to take the SE Exam...and when should you take it? Why the SE is getting more and more difficult to pass every year The simple (but not easy) way to overcome the SE Exam's low pass rates Tips for recent graduates going into the professional Structural Engineering world How he went from design to leadership roles...and how you can too The biggest challenge and the most rewarding part of being an engineering leader What to do if you want to become a Structural Engineering manager 🤝 Our Partner: Audible ☑️ Resources Mentioned: Our Video on the PE Changes SE Exam ASCE SEI Lake Superior Consulting Case Western Reserve University 📧 Connect With Vince: LinkedIn vincent.w.marvin@gmail.com 📚 Our Exam Prep Resources: Main WebsiteCivil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Are you a civil engineer planning to go into project management…in New York? 🤔 Then this interview with Mafuzul Mashud, PE, is for you! He started out as a Transportation Engineer in Long Island, got his PE license out of the way, and worked his way up to Project Manager, overseeing big projects from New York’s MTA. 🗽 👷 Tune in to Learn: The 3 biggest challenges of working in New York as a Civil Engineer His all-time favorite project that would probably be your least favorite How's it to switch from fieldwork to behind-the-desk design work? How bad COVID-19 hit New York's traditional work scenario His best advice to pass the PE Civil Exam... that you keep neglecting Do you get an immediate raise or promotion after passing the PE? His path from Transportation Design Engineer to Engineering Project Management How being part of professional organizations helped him get the job he wanted What salary levels can you expect as a civil engineer in NY?  The best skill you should master to go into project management Our Partner: Built Bar Resources Mentioned: Our Video on the PE Changes TYLin Group NYU University Metropolitan Transportation Authority Construction and Development (MTA C&D) New York City Housing Authority ASCE NY Metropolitan Section ASCE Met Section Forensic Engineering Group ASCE Met Section Infrastructure Group Connect With Mafuzul: LinkedIn Our Exam Prep Resources: Main WebsiteCivil FE Review Course Civil PE Review CourseCivil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CFM® Practice Exam CA Seismic and 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 Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Can we train computers to “be” Structural Engineers? 🤔 In this episode, I chat with Nick Heim, a Structural Engineer working with parking structures, about the AI tools that can change the field forever. From machine learning teaching computers how to do the engineer’s calcs…all the way to using computer vision to “look for” potential structural issues in images and videos. 😲 Tune in to Learn: What's computer vision and how does it impact the Structural Engineer's work? Will AI put Structural Engineers out of business? Are SEs recognized as much as they should? Why flying drones is the first "tech tool" you need to master...immediately! Why he went for the maintenance and restoration niche of Structural Engineering 4 ways he uses to find parking structure restoration work 2 things young engineers should focus on (+ how to do the second right in today's world) What being part of professional organizations teaches you that school doesn't What is it like to be the president of an ASCE local chapter? The advice those getting started in their career should NOT take Our Partner: Built Bar Resources Mentioned: CEA Episode #216 (Drones in Civil Engineering) AECTECH Podcast, host by Nick Heim Nick Heim’s Articles on EM New Jersey Institute of Technology StructureCare Connect With Nick: LinkedIn Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and Survey Courses (Waiting List) FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Breadth Practice Exams PE Depth Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator CFM® Practice ExamConnect With Us: Free CEA Community Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Have you thought of doing the same engineering work you do at your workplace, but for yourself? 🤔 Then you’ll want to listen to this interview with Paige Brue about her own journey to start her consulting business! She dives into how her education allowed her to provide the type of services she provides, why having professional credentials is a must (and the easiest way to get them)...all the way to her best tips for aspiring firm owners. 😉 👇 Tune in to Learn: How a devastating flood in her hometown got her interested in Water Resources What led her to start her own engineering business How to know if starting your own engineering practice is really for you? 2 pieces of advice before you (cluelessly) go and start your own firm The number one thing you need to thrive professionally (and it's not only money) What the CFM credential is all about How her PE license and CFM credential are crucial for her independent work The biggest misconception about an engineer's work that we only learn after school What she did that made passing her PE a lot easier...and you should do too Is it difficult to take the PE Exam in a discipline that's not yours? Her experience with CA Seismic and Survey Exams (+ how difficult they are) Her #1 advice for women to succeed in the field...that works wonders for men too. Organizations for Water Resources folks and women engineers to join Our Partner: Built Bar Resources Mentioned: The Ultimate Floodplain Manager Review Course The Ultimate CA Seismic & Survey Courses (Waitlist) Society of Women Engineers (SWE) American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) California Stormwater Quality Association The 2008 Floods in Indiana Purdue University North Carolina State University School of PE Connect With Paige: LinkedInWebsiteSurf City Hydraulic Engineeringpaige.brue@surfcityh2o.com Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and Survey Courses (Waiting List) FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Breadth Practice ExamsP E Depth Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator Connect With Us: Free CEA Community Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Do you know how our AEC industry is doing and what we can expect in the years to come? No?! 🤔 Then this episode is for you! Mark jumps back on to share his recent roundtable discussion with other leaders of AEC companies to discuss their challenges, problems, new technology…all the way to what the future looks like for the industry. Is it positive? Well, give this a listen and you’ll find out! 😉 Tune in to Learn: The biggest challenge in the AEC industry right now...plus 2 factors that can reduce it Positive or negative: What's the outlook for the industry a few years down the road? How the construction industry is still suffering from the impacts of COVID The current state of employment in the industry Why BIM modeling still hasn't been useful despite being talked about all the time What leaders of AEC companies have to say about the use of drones in projects The two sides of the AI implementation in civil engineering Why the design-bid-build model has to be buried (plus a better alternative) Our Store for Civil Engineers: Civil Engineer Gear Resources Mentioned: CEA #219 - Robert Otani on the Use of AI Utah Business Magazine Building, Construction & Design Roundtable Connect With Mark: LinkedIn Our Freebies: The Civil PE Startup Guide The 5 Best FE Resources FREE CFM® Lecture Module Our Exam Prep Resources: Main WebsiteCivil FE Review Course Civil PE Review CourseCivil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review CourseCA Seismic and 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 Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Do you think you’ve made the wrong decision of going into engineering just because the “common” roles don’t align with the life you want? 🤔 Well, you’re looking at it the wrong way! In this interview with Rebecca Miller, she dives into her non-traditional journey into Structural Engineering and how she intentionally designed a career in the field that matched her life goals instead of getting siloed into pre-existing job positions. Tune in to Learn: Her path into Structural Engineering from an unrelated background to inspire you How her non-traditional background impacted her pursuit of the PE license Why engineers can explore other career paths other than the traditional route The best approach to studying for the PE exam that made her pass it Her thoughts on the pros and cons of the changes coming to the PE in April How she landed a job at a company that matched her life vision The key aspect of finding the job the suits what you want out of life Does working at an engineering tech company pay more? Advice for women engineers to thrive The right way to go about taking the PE Exam to avoid test anxiety and nervousness 2 ways to grasp engineering concepts for the PE Exam you probably never heard of What's behind a really successful career...in one word Our Store for Civil Engineers: Civil Engineer Gear Resources Mentioned: CEA Quick Tip Video: April Changes to the PE Civil Exam CEA #123 - Stephanie Slocum She Engineers, by Stephanie Slocum The Gap and The Gain, by Dan Sullivan RISA Tech, Inc RISA-3D Software PLS-CADD Software Buckingham Avenue, Rebecca's Online Shop Amber Freund, RISA CEO Concordia College North Dakota State University University of Minnesota Connect With Rebecca: LinkedIn CEA Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and 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 Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Who said you can only do civil engineering as a civil engineer? 🤔 If you think that’s the only way to go, this week’s guest will prove you wrong! Ayo Sokale is a Chartered Engineer in the UK who managed to build a successful career in Water Resources as a woman engineer and also pursue other passions…like becoming a BBC presenter! 😲 In this episode, she dives into the multi-dimensional aspect of people, and how you can leverage it as a civil engineer to build a life that works for you. 😉 Tune in to Learn: What a Chartered Engineer is in the UK...and how it compares to the PE in the US Her experience being left out of the technical things just for being a woman engineer 5 pieces of advice that she learned the hard way to all the women engineers Why engineers can do more than engineering in life How she became a BBC presenter as a civil engineer How she balances work with BBC shows, coaching services, tech company, etc A framework you can use to reach your vision for your future self Her top 2 tips to improve your life, professionally and personally Our Store for Civil Engineers: Civil Engineer Gear Our Partners: Built Bar Resources Mentioned: University of Plymouth Jacobs Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Get Set Galactic Game Show Melissa Hogenboom, BBC Commissioner The Environment Agency UK Connect With Ayo: LinkedIn Website Linktree Instagram - @officialayosokale Instagram - @ayosokalelabour Facebook - @ayosokale Facebook - @storieswithayo Twitter - @ayosokale Twitter - @ayoCaversham TikTok - @officialayosokale Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and 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 Free NewsletterYouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Who said your PE license is the final act? 🤔 Getting your license and the higher salary that comes with it is a stepping stone for you to achieve something even bigger. In this episode, I chat with Lane Kawaoka about how he used his PE and high-paying engineering job to fuel his real estate investments and make extra cash for his family every month…passively! 😲 He then went on to build a platform to help other licensed engineers (like you) do the same. 😉 Tune in to Learn: The easiest way to trick the system and get your PE license…totally legal! What separates engineers from highly paid engineers — and it’s not technical stuff How he used his high-paying job as a PE job to build passive income with real estate From buying to development: his path in the real estate industry as an engineer Why civil engineers are well-suited for the development side of real estate investing Why traditional investments don’t work for engineers — plus how to find better ones The Wealth Elevator analogy: Which floor are you on? A sneak peek into his soon-to-be-released resource to help engineers scale financially Our Partners: Civil Engineer Gear Audible Resources Mentioned: CEA #90 With Lane Kawaoka The Wealth Elevator Book Waitlist The Journey to Simple Passive Cashflow, by Lane Kawaoka The Wealth Elevator Club Connect With Lane: The Wealth Elevator Website LinkedIn Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and Survey Courses (Waiting List) FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam Simulator PE Breadth Practice Exams PE Depth Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam Simulator Connect With Us: Free CEA Community Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Will machine learning replace civil engineers? 😟 The answer is not what you think, whether you answered “yes” or “no.” Today’s guest is Robert Otani, a civil engineer and the Chief Technology Officer at Thornton Tomasetti. In this episode, he talks about how machine learning and AI will impact engineering jobs, as well as how he’s already using AI at his firm’s projects and overall business development so you can use it in yours too. 😉 Tune in to Learn: How the introduction of BIM got Robert into the tech side of civil engineering His experience building tools to connect different software in construction management The software tools he's launched for the industry and where to get them Should civil engineers learn how to code? What machine learning will change in the future of the civil engineering profession? Will civil engineers still have jobs with the rise of AI? A positive impact of AI on civil engineering that gets overlooked How he's already using AI at Thornton Tomasetti's projects and business development Our Partner: Built Bar Freebie: CEA Newsletter Resources Mentioned: Thornton TomasettiRevit PLS-CADD Konstru Software Skipper Software Thread Software TT Toolbox Thornton Tomasetti & Autodesk Webinar Computers & Structures, IncRutgers University Penn State University JFK Terminal 1 WSPArup Barclays Arena Connect With Robert: LinkedIn TwitterThreads rotani@thorntontomasetti.com Our Exam Prep Resources: Main WebsiteCivil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and 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 Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

From a Mechanical Engineer in Colombia to a graduate student in the US to unemployed driving Uber with two kids…all the way to passing the PE Civil Structural Exam! 😲 Impressed? Well, this is the exact life journey of Esteban Valderrama, our guest for this week’s episode. He got his PE on his third try, and this journey can teach you a lot if you find yourself either taking the Structural PE Exam or considering taking the Civil PE as a mechanical engineer with very little background education on civil engineering topics. Tune in to Learn: How his structural background in mechanical engineering led him to civil engineering How he went from unemployed and driving Uber to passing the Civil PE Structural Exam What he does today in the 5G telecommunications industry How the PE license gave him and his opinion more weight in the workplace His top tip for other mechanicals who may be thinking of going for the PE Civil Exam What made The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course stand out from the other prep courses What motivated him to keep at it after failing the PE three times...and how you can, too What his weekly study calendar looked like balancing work, family, and exam prep A study trick he used to get familiar with every chapter of the codes and standards Two topics that caught him (extremely) off guard on the exam How many Alternative Item Type questions were on his exam Does he recommend The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course? Our Partner: Audible Freebie: CEA Newsletter Resources Mentioned: The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course PE CBT Exam Simulator PE Breadth Practice Exams PE Depth Practice Exams RISA 3D SAP 200 University of Texas at San antonio Connect With Esteban: LinkedIn Our Exam Prep Resources: Main WebsiteCivil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and 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 Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

If you think Geotech Engineers only “play in the dirt,” think again! The field has many paths you can choose, from field work to office work…all the way to sales and software! 😲. In this episode, I chat with Hannah Thomas, who’s done it all in the field, to help you find out whether the Geotech route is right for you and what you can do if you go into it, but also how to find the career that’s a good fit….based on how she found out hers. 😉 Tune in to Learn: The many career routes within the Geotech field, from field work to software to sales The most rewarding and challenging aspects of Geotech Common misconceptions about what geotechnical engineers do ( +  what they really do) Why the PE matters for geotech engineers...as Hannah learned firsthand at work The reason the Geotechnical PE Civil Exam has the lowest volume of test-takers Why the geotechnical knowledge is also important for your personal, day-to-day life The field-tested way to find a career path that makes you wake up excited every day. Why she started sharing her journey on LinkedIn (and the benefits it brought to her) Our Partners: Civil Engineer GearAudible Resources Mentioned: Colorado School of Mines Kiewit Stantec Braun Intertec Corporation Connect With Hannah: LinkedIn Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and 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 Free NewsletterYouTube Channel InstagramLinked Inisaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Technology is changing everything, and believe me, drones are already changing how you do your work on the job site as a civil engineer — and you’ll have to adapt! 👷 So in this episode, Mark and I chat about how we’re using drones in the utility and construction arenas. From project design to construction to inspection to post-construction promotion with some cool images for advertising, drones can help you do it all…and a lot more efficiently! 😲 Tune in to Learn: Top two drones being used in civil engineering (+ the favorite one…and why) The uses of drones in the construction industry, from project design to post-completion How drones are being used in the utility world for visualization and inspection tasks How the newer drones differ from older versions and make controlling a lot easier Guidelines to set up, execute, and manage drone programs at your workplace The challenges that come with the mass adoption of drones How do you become a drone pilot? (Hint: it's not simply buying and using one!) Our Partner: Built Bar Resources Mentioned Skydio Drones DJI Drones CEA #110 (Construction Engineering Degree)Part 107 FAA Exam Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review CourseCivil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review CourseCA Seismic and Survey Courses (Waiting List) FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Breadth Practice ExamsPE Depth Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam Simulator Connect With Us: Free CEA Community Free NewsletterYouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

Artificial Intelligence is the big buzzword nowadays, right? 🤖 So in this episode, I decided to dissect the ways you can use it to help you prepare for your exams in 2024. Believe me, even though there are some limitations, it's a wonderful tool in your toolbelt! From getting you started on developing a study schedule to coming up with theory (and even quantitative) practice problems…and more! 😲 Tune in to Learn: 2 common exam prep challenges AI can help you solve Developing a complete 6-month study schedule….with ChatGPT Can you simply follow an AI-generated schedule or do you need to refine it? How to use AI to practice theory problems for the Civil FE and PE Exams Using ChatGPT to come up with practice problems to supplement your study material Can you trust AI-generated solutions to quantitative practice problems? How do you make sure AI uses equations out of the NCEES handbooks? Our Store for Civil Engineers: Civil Engineer Gear Resources Mentioned ChatGPT The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course CEA Practice Exams Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and Survey Courses (Waiting List) FE Practice ExamsFE 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 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

In this episode, I reflect back on all the things we developed here at Civil Engineering Academy in 2023, plus a sneak peek into what we have for you next year. 😉 From adding new team members to a new brand specifically for civil engineers to new courses launching in 2024. That’s right! we’ll keep helping you thrive in your career…way beyond the FE and PE. 📈 👷 Tune in to Learn: The progress of our PE course update to match the April 2024 specifications Our brand new review course to help you become a Certified Floodplain Manager How to join the waiting list for our new CA Seismic and Survey courses A new brand we started exclusively and specifically for civil engineers…just like you. The members of the CEA Dream Team — plus, how you can become one. Our efforts at our FE and PE CBT simulators give you a like-like exam experience The improvements we’ve been making to our FE course Our live problem-solving workshops (and how to get access to all of them!) Our Store for Civil Engineers: Civil Engineer Gear Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course CA Seismic and Survey Courses (Waiting List) FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Breadth Practice ExamsPE Depth Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam Simulator The CEA Dream Team: Mark Oakeson Francisca Wijaya Cody Sims Marina Lima Matt Fanghella Marion Oakeson Lisa Oakeson Resources Mentioned Latest Live Workshop with Cody Sims CEA Blog Connect With Us: Free CEA Community Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support

How much do civil engineers make? 💸 That’s a question Mark and I answer in this episode by diving into the latest and greatest ASCE Salary Report! In addition to spelling out the numbers, we talk about other important aspects that go into your career, such as job satisfaction, raises, opportunities, etc. Believe it or not, the future is brighter than you think. 😉 Tune in to Learn: The trend in average salaries for civil engineers: up or down? How much entry-level civil engineers make (and how much experience they need) The main thing impacting salary levels today How the industry’s specialization trend impacts salaries How much does a licensed PE make compared to unlicensed civil engineers? Average salary numbers by US region Are civil engineers satisfied with their jobs, benefits, and compensation? Do Structural Engineers with the SE make more money than those with only the PE? What the future looks like in civil engineering (and why it's a good place to be in) Our Partner: Civil Engineer Gear Resources Mentioned: ASCE Salary Report 2023 ASCE Website PE Civil Exam SE Exam Our Exam Prep Resources: Main WebsiteCivil FE Review Course Civil PE Review CourseCivil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review CourseCalifornia Seismic & Survey Courses (Waiting List) FE Practice ExamsFE CBT Exam SimulatorPE Breadth Practice ExamsPE Depth Practice ExamsPE CBT Exam Simulator Connect With Us: Free CEA Community Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com mark@civilengineeringacademy.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/civilengineeringacademy/support