The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast

There’s been little to no recognition by the general public of the importance of a structural engineer to the structures they use every day…until now. The NCSEA has launched a campaign to build awareness of the structural engineer’s work most people take for granted. And today’s guest? The man behind it all! Tune in to Learn: What is the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations (NCSEA...

There are many career paths in the government sector within the US. But what about a career in the government sector doing work abroad? That’s what John Pitts does as the Director of Civil and Structural Engineering at the Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations. These are the people constructing the buildings used by US Government representatives outside the US. Tune in to Learn: Two career paths...

You probably never heard this before: someone switching from a pre-med track to civil engineering. Well, today’s guest did just that…all the way to getting his PE license. In this episode, Matt Fanghella details his own journey to passing his exam as a repeat taker, and the little-known process to officially get your license and use those “PE initials after your name. Tune in to Learn: Matt's unco...

Today, Brandon Mcgill, a recruiter with NES, jumps on the show to talk about his work matching civil engineers with their dream jobs in the field — and how working with a recruiter gives you a competitive advantage. Tune in to Learn: Do any engineers go into the recruitment industry? Hint: It's not what you think How a recruiter can help you in the negotiating process with a company Why you should...

Why are fewer people getting into civil engineering when the numbers show they will be needed more than ever? Today, we’ll dive into the current state of the civil engineering job market and the aspects that play a significant role in it. From college education and possible education alternatives to salary issues and future trends. Tune in to Learn: The surprising number of engineers that will be...

Thinking of heading down the management path in the engineering world? Today’s guest has done just that! Jake Adkins has the most down-to-earth pieces of advice on the good and bad of going from a technical engineer to an engineering manager. Give this a listen and apply these to your own career. Tune in to Learn: What it really takes to be an engineering manager — and it’s not the job title The 3...

If you’ve ever had any hint, sign, or desire to learn more about Geotechnical Engineering, then today’s guest is your guy! Siavash Zamiran is a geotechnical engineer himself with 15+ years of experience, an adjunct professor, and today he tells you what life as a geotechnical engineer really looks like and what it entails. Tune in to Learn: Why most engineers don't even consider going into Geotech...

Today, to wrap up our “Deep Dive” podcast series, we take a look at the Water Resources Depth Exam. We break down the specification into its details so you know what you need to study, and point you to where you can find the resources to help you over-prepare for it…and pass it! Tune in to Learn: What's the minimum amount of prep time you need for the PE Exam? Is the majority of the exam questions...

In another episode of our “Deep Dive” series, we examine the PE Transportation Depth Exam. From the general civil engineering topics for the breadth portion to the more in-depth transportation topics, codes, and standards required for the depth portion, as well as the best resources to use, you have it all broken down right here! Tune in to Learn: The overall PE exam experience An overview of the...

Are you in the structural engineering arena? Then you’ll regret not giving this a listen. Today, on another episode of our “deep dive” series, we cover the PE Structural Depth Exam. We dive deep into the details of the specs, how to prepare for it, the best resources available out there, the pass rates, etc. We cover it all…right here! Tune in to Learn: The overall PE structural exam experience an...

This is our second episode in our “deep dive” series. And this time, it’s all about the geotechnical depth exam! If you're gearing up to take that one, this is for you. We dive into everything you need to know about it, from the overall exam experience to the topics and codes that need to be top of mind on exam day. Tune in to Learn: The overall exam experience: how much it costs, where you take i...

Are you taking the construction depth section on the PE exam? Then this is for you! Today, we break down the specifications, detailing everything you need to know about it. From the construction topics, you need to internalize to the codes and standards you need to get familiar with. Tune in to Learn: What the PE Construction Exam looks like The 8 topics of the breadth portion of the exam and what...

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own engineering firm but you are unsure how to handle all the demands? Today’s guest did just that. Ed Quesenberry established his own practice back in 2003, and today he teaches you how he balances it all: business owner, principal engineer, adjunct professor, husband, and father. Tune in to Learn: One thing you build in college that can help you for the res...

Today’s episode is about the top 10 biggest and most expensive projects currently going on in the US. These are scheduled to finish in the near future, and when they do, they will change (literally) everything. From urban mobility to electricity to natural gas — and even sports. Our Partners: Audible - http://civilengineeringacademy.com/audible Built Bar - https://civilengineeringacademy.com/built...

Today’s guest is Dirk Bondy, a superstar structural engineer specializing in post-tensioned concrete and a professor at UCLA and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In this episode, Dirk lays it all out for the next generation of structural engineers, including the “commoditization” of the profession due to the heavy (and blind) application of software tools. Tune in to Learn: Dirk Bondy's path to becoming...

Today’s guest is Oreu Lugogo, CHOICE’s Country Director in Kenya. After studying abroad in the US and Europe, Oreu decided to go back to make a difference in the lives of those living in extreme poverty in his home country. And guess what…you can help too! Tune in to Learn: Oreu Lugogo's path to becoming CHOICE's Country Director in Kenya His education background and his decision to go back to Ken...

What if I said that passing your FE/PE exam boils down to two extremely simple things? Well, believe it because it does. Today, Isaac and Mark will discuss not only what these two secrets are, but also how you can apply them to get over the hump of passing your exams. Tune in to Learn: Two simple secrets to passing your professional exams Passing rate differences for first-time and repeat takers T...

Our guest today is Jen Dyer, a director at CHOICE Humanitarian helping those living in rural poverty in more than eight countries — including the US. Give this a listen to learn how you, as a civil engineer, have the knowledge to help provide basic needs to those who desperately crave it, from access to drinking water to good housing conditions. Tune in to Learn: Jen Dyer's background and how she...

Distractions are everywhere. But the question is: do you allow them to distract you? Today, we’ll dive into simple things you can do to make sure they don’t, whether you’re studying for the FE/PE exam, getting tasks done at work, or spending quality time with loved ones. Tune in to Learn: What are good and bad distractions? A simple way to start doing what really matters every day 3 study tips to...

We’ve all heard the phrase, “we need more women in engineering.” But is it enough to get them into it…only? Today’s guest is Mina Dezyanian and she’s the founder of IronRingGirls, the online home to resources for helping women in engineering build successful careers. Tune in to Learn: The only right way to get more women into STEM Two red flags women should pay attention to in the workplace How wo...

Have you ever wondered what goes behind the scenes of everything ASCE does? The institutes? The events? The codes and standards? Today’s guest has the answer. Lindsay O’Leary is a licensed civil engineer who found her passion in the nonprofit arena and now supports civil engineers and the advancement of the profession working at ASCE. Tune in to Learn: A career path Lindsay took that most civil en...

Today, Isaac sums up his trip to Kenya with CHOICE Humanitarian, an organization helping those living in rural poverty. From lack of clean water to poor housing conditions, he elaborates on what he came away with after seeing the world through different lenses — and how you, as a civil engineer, can help these people more than you think. Our Partner: Built Bar - https://civilengineeringacademy.com...

Doesn't matter if you’re an intern or a junior engineer, advancing your civil engineering career is about getting one step further towards the position you want to be in. In today’s episode, you’ll learn all about the credentials and aspects that can propel you to get there — whether your company has clear promotion guidelines or not. Tune in to Learn: The most important credential all civil engin...

Today’s guest is Dr. Nehemiah Mabry, P.E., the founder of STEMedia — an ed-tech and media company empowering STEM professionals in underrepresented groups. Elaborating on his own career path, from undergraduate all the way to his PhD, he’ll prompt you to think about what “success” in STEM fields really looks like. Tune in to Learn: A career solution Dr. Nee used after graduating in the middle of t...

Did you know the FE exam can help you become a licensed engineer outside the US? Today’s guest is Andrew Jackson, a Canadian geoscientist and part owner of a geotech firm who passed the FE after taking The Ultimate Civil FE Review Course. Why? The FE allows him to get his P.Eng. license! Tune in to Learn: Andrew's story getting into civil engineering without a civil engineering degree How to get y...