The Latest FE & PE Stats You Must Know If You're Prepping for Your Exam

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

6 Jan 202426min

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

30 Dec 202321min

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

23 Dec 202317min

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

21 Dec 202324min

“What’s the easiest of the five PE Civil Exams? 🤔'' That's one question we get all that time, and so I decided to jump into it again. While they’re all difficult and there’s no way around it, the latest NCCES report and other data make it clear which one may be a little less of a challenge. If you’re not sure which one to take, you’ll want to listen to this episode. 😉 Tune in to Learn: A brief overview of the PE exam and the exam prep landscape The two "easiest" and the hardest PE exam overall Why the huge number of standards for the Transportation exam is actually a positive The one thing that makes the Water Resources exam a good option Two things that makes the Geotech exam more challenging How to choose your exam: Should you really go for the "easiest?" Insider exam tips from our private community of PE test-takers When we'll roll out our PE course update to meet the new NCEES specifications A brand new course we just released to help you become a Floodplain Manager How you can join the waiting list for our California Seismic and Survey review courses Our Partner: Civil Engineer Gear Resources Mentioned: NCEES Pass Rates PE Civil Transportation Exam Specification PE Civil Water Resources Exam Specifications PE Civil Geotechnical Exam Specifications Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Floodplain Manager Review Course California 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 Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com

9 Dec 202321min

What would your life look like if you could take every Friday off? After the remote/hybrid work trend sparked by COVID, there’s now a new one: the four-day workweek. In this episode, I talk to Mark about this new trend that’s getting traction in other industries, and if it will ever become a thing for us civil engineers. Who wouldn’t like that, right? 😂 Tune in to Learn: The origins of the 4-day workweek trend way back in the COVID era What’s the 4-day workweek? Will you work only 32 hours with Fridays off? The time and location flexibility that comes with the trend How it impacts deadlines, workflows, and deliverables What are the tech tools that make it possible? How is the civil engineering industry implementing the trend? The negative side of the trend for firms and organizations A pro of the trend for those who don’t want to be fully retired The biggest challenge of implement the 4-day workweek in civil engineering CEA-approved recruiters that can help you find the flexible work you want FREE Download: The Civil PE Startup Guide Our Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Certified Floodplain Manager 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 Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com

2 Dec 202322min

Wondering what a career in Water Resources looks like? 🤔 Then this episode is for you! Today, I interview Jared Coleman, a Water Resources engineer and a CFM who’s worked in both the private and public sectors. He dives into what you can expect from each, how to choose one, as well as the CFM credential and the work he does in floodplain management with it. If you ever wondered how to get this credential you’ll want to listen to this one, for sure. 😉 Tune in to Learn: What his current work as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) look like What the CFM Certification is (and how it fills in the 4-year gap between the FE and PE) How to become a CFM (plus a resource that helps you breeze through that) Common issues with project submittals in flood-prone areas Working for private vs public companies: the pros and cons you should consider The biggest challenge in sustainable urban development today A brand new  sustainability measure being implemented in Water Resources right now A secret method to pass the FE and PE exams building on the topics you're good at Should you take the PE Environmental Exam as a civil engineer in Water Resources? His top tip for young civil engineers starting out to "find themselves" in the field What organizations can you join as a CFM or a civil engineer in Water Resources? FREE Download: The Civil PE Startup Guide Resources Mentioned: CFM Review Course Certified Floodplain Manager Credential Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) Colorado School of Mines City of AuroraColorado Association of Floodplain Managers American Society of Civil Engineers Connect With Jared: LinkedInjcoleman@auroragov.org CEA Exam Prep Resources: Main Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Certified Floodplain Manager 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 Free NewsletterYouTube Channel Instagram LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com

25 Nov 202325min

Today’s guest is Sam Lamontanaro, a Director of Engineering of Aufgang Architects. We dive into the challenges of sustainability, discussing New York's push for electrification and the ditching of fossil fuels, which will probably get to other states as well. So, from the next decade’s energy-efficient designs and water storage to the value of a PE license for it, we cover it all here! 😉 Tune in to Learn: The advantage of growing up with a family with the same interest How do architecture and engineering work together? New York’s law 097 to reduce carbon footprints in buildings (and by when) The challenge of electrifying buildings and removing fossil fuels The impact of obtaining a Professional Engineer license How should you go about mentoring young engineers? The importance of field experience to gaining insights you don’t get from a book The challenges of balancing sustainable designs and reasonable costs Our Partner: Built Bar FREE Download: The Civil PE Startup Guide Resources Mentioned: The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course Aufgang Architects The Trump Organization NYC Local Law 97 COP-01 Department of Iron and Protection Connect With Sam: LinkedIn CEA Exam Prep Materials: Main WebsiteCivil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Course Civil PE Depth Review Courses Certified Floodplain Manager Review Course PE CBT Exam Simulator Civil FE Practice Exams PE Breadth Practice Exams PE Depth Practice Exams Join the CEA Family: Free CEA Community Free Newsletter YouTube Channel Instagram Twitter LinkedIn isaac@civilengineeringacademy.com

17 Nov 202326min