The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast

Isaac Oakeson
The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast

Welcome to The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast - your ultimate guide to everything related to civil engineering! Our goal is to support you at every stage of your journey to becoming a successful professional civil engineer, and to help you enhance your career and personal life. We share our expertise and provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed. Join us for informative and engaging discussions on exam preparation strategies, career development, and cutting-edge engineering innovations. Whether you're preparing to ace the civil FE or PE exam, looking to adv

  1. 5 DAYS AGO

    The Best Study Strategy to Pass Your Exam That You're Not Doing Enough

    Do you think those who pass their exam are simply smarter than everyone else (including you)? And if you’ve already failed one of these before, do you think you’re simply not “smart enough?” 🤔 Well, think again! There’s another variable that affects your exam results much more than “how smart” you are ever will — and it’s backed by a study that lasted 13 years! 😲 Now, want to know the most shocking thing this study found? Only 11% of test-takers take this variable into account when preparing for their exams! This means it’s the best study technique to use if you want to pass, but very few test-takers use it…including you, probably. 😨 So, in this episode, we’re gonna cover what this technique is all about, and then go even further to explain why it works so well and how you can effectively put it into practice in your own prep. 👍 I promise, if you use this, you’ll pass whatever exam you’re preparing for, whether that’s your FE, PE, SE, PMP…you name it! 😉 Go check it out! 🎧 🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN: The biggest misconception about passing an exam you probably believe in The study technique that impacts your exam results more than anything else Why this technique works like magic for taking exams 2 aspects of it that make it work better than all the other study methods 6 guidelines to apply this technique to your own exam prep…and win on exam day ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Elevate Education Douglas Barton’s TED Talk 🎁 OUR FREEBIES FOR YOU: The Civil FE Startup Guide The Civil PE Startup Guide FREE CFM® Course Module 🖥️ OUR REVIEW COURSES: Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course 📚 OUR PRACTICE EXAMS: FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator CFM® Practice Exam FE Environmental Practice Exam PE Environmental Practice Exam 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Main Website Newsletter Free CEA Community LinkedInYouTube Channel support@civilengineeringacademy.com

    23 min

  2. 27 FEB

    Thriving in Male-Dominated Industries with Hannah Dunham

    Did you know that only 16.7% of women with an engineering degree actually work in engineering?! 😨 That’s a reality Hannah Dunham faced firsthand — and she’s on a mission to change it. Hannah is a Chemical Engineer who started her career at a paper mill, where she wasn’t just the only woman in the room...but often the only woman in the entire factory. 😮 Navigating a male-dominated industry was no easy feat, but she quickly learned the skills needed to climb the ranks. Eventually, she wasn’t just working alongside men, but managing a team of up 118 of them (plus women, too). From a young, female engineer on the factory floor to a successful woman in STEM making just as much as men (if not more!), Hannah cracked the code on what it takes for women to succeed in the field. Now, she’s sharing everything she’s learned through her consulting business, dedicated to helping other women in STEM do the same. 💅 👷 If you’re a woman in STEM (or know one), this episode is packed with insights you can’t afford to miss if you want a successful career. Hit the play button now! 🎧 🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN: The 2 Biggest Struggles Women in STEM Report to Her What She Learned From Managing Men That She Now Makes It Clear to Women The 2 Leadership Skills Crucial for Women to Thrive in STEM Her Experience as a Woman Engineer That Inspired Her to Start Her Business The 2 Reasons Why There Few Women in STEM...And How to Solve It The Best Way to Find a Mentor (And the Two Moments Women Need a Female Mentor) 3 Secret Tips for Women to Negotiate Equal Pay She Only Shares With Her Clients 🤝 OUR PARTNER: Built Bar (Use code CIVAC) 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED: Auburn University 📧 CONNECT WITH HANNAH: LinkedIn Instagram Climbing Tress Consulting 🎁 CEA FREEBIES: The Civil FE Startup Guide The Civil PE Startup Guide FREE CFM® Course Module 📚 CEA EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Civil Engineering Academy Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator CFM® Practice Exam FE Environmental Practice Exam PE Environmental Practice Exam 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Newsletter Free CEA Community LinkedIn YouTube Channel support@civilengineeringacademy.com

    27 min

  3. 21 FEB

    Mastering Your Financial Future as a Civil Engineer with Andy Cole

    As civil engineers, we’re used to solving big, complex problems no one can solve…until we run into a simple life debate we can’t figure out. 👇 “Am I saving enough money…or way more than I need?” 🤔 That’s where Andy Cole, PE, comes in. 👇 Andy is a civil engineer turned financial advisor who helps engineers take control of their money — not with one-size-fits-all guidelines, but with strategies tailored to their own goals, and values. In this episode, Andy helps you understand key financial concepts once and for all with his engineering analogies (which you’ll love). Also, he dives into the things you should avoid (and do!) for long-term financial success…and how a financial advisor can help. 👍 If you’ve ever worried about how to better manage all the money that comes in from your hard work as a civil engineer, including paying less in taxes, this episode is worth a listen. 😉 🎧 🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN: The Engineering Analogy To Understand Financial Planning Once and for All The Engineering Analogy To Understand Investing Why Civil Engineers Should Hire a Financial Advisor What Does the Work with a Financial Advisor Entails? The 2 Biggest Mistakes You Make With Your Finances as a Civil Engineer The FIRST Thing You Should Do To Set Yourself up for Financial Success His Career Pivot into Financial Advisory How He Slowly Transitioned Into a New Career...And How You Can Too! 🤝 OUR PARTNER: Built Bar - Use code CIVAC 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED: American Water Works Association (AWWA) CH2M (Now part of Jacobs) University of Florida Fiduciary Financial Advisors 📧 CONNECT WITH ANDY: LinkedIn andy@ffadvisor.com Andy’s Company Page 🎁 CEA FREEBIES: The Civil FE Startup Guide The Civil PE Startup Guide FREE CFM® Course Module 📚 CEA EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Civil Engineering Academy Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator CFM® Practice Exam FE Environmental Practice Exam PE Environmental Practice Exam 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Newsletter Free CEA Community LinkedIn YouTube Channel support@civilengineeringacademy.com

    29 min

  4. 13 FEB

    Yameli Herschelman’s Journey to Passing the PE After 6 Attempts With CEA

    Imagine failing the PE so many times that you decide your next attempt would be your last — pass or walk away. 😨 That was Yameli Herschelman’s reality…until one thing changed for her last try. Originally from Venezuela, she came to the US for her Master’s degree in Transportation and dreamed of becoming a PE. After struggling with other review courses for her first five attempts, she turned to Civil Engineering Academy for her 6th attempt. In simple words: the rest is history. 👷 ✅ This episode is packed with hard-earned lessons for repeat takers, from a six-time repeat taker herself who almost gave up on the goal of becoming a PE altogether. We always say, the PE Exam is 10% technical knowledge and 90% grit. No matter how many times you’ve failed before, Yameli’s perseverance and mindset shift will inspire you to push forward. 🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN: Where Her Mindset Went After Many PE Failures...And What Changed It Is the New PE Exam Really Depth-Specific? The Biggest Challenge on the PE...And How to Solve It A Killer Test-Taking Tip You Should Know for Your Exam Day Why She Thinks Civil Engineering Academy Helped Her Pass What She Added to Her Study Schedule That You Should Add to Yours When She Would Study for the PE During Her Busy Days 3 Aspects of the Transportation PE That Taking Practice Exam Helps With Does a Master's Degree Help You With the PE Exam? The Most Common Topics on the Transportation PE Exam You Need to Know How to Get to Know the Codes Like the Back of Your Hand 2 Hard-Earned Lessons for Repeat Takers...From a 6-Time Taker Herself Why She Recommends Civil Engineering Academy 🔗 RESOURCES MENTIONED: AASHTO “Green Book” Highway Capacity Manual NCEES PE Handbook PE Transportation Exam Specifications CEA PE CBT Exam Simulator CEA Civil PE Review Courses University of Central Florida 📧 CONNECT WITH YAMELI: LinkedIn 🎁 CEA FREEBIES: The 5 Best FE Resources The Civil PE Startup Guide FREE CFM® Course Module 📚 CEA EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Civil Engineering Academy Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator CFM® Practice Exam FE Environmental Practice Exam PE Environmental Practice Exam 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Newsletter Free CEA Community LinkedIn YouTube Channel support@civilengineeringacademy.com

    22 min

  5. 7 FEB

    Developing New Leaders with Mark Oakeson

    🚨 The Civil Engineering industry is facing a HUGE problem! ⚠️ Experienced engineers are retiring, there are not enough young engineers ready to step into leadership roles, and companies are struggling to fill in the gaps. 😨 Yep, it’s kinda bad (that’s the bad news), but there’s a simple fix to it (that’s the good news). In this episode, Mark jumps back on to talk about this problem based on his own experiences as a manager at his firm, why this is happening, and more importantly, what companies and engineers can (read: should) do about it. So, if you’re a young civil engineer looking to grow your career and step into these high-responsibility roles that are now vacant, this episode has lots of strategies for you to do just that. 💼 And, if you're in charge of an engineering firm struggling with this problem, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you identify, train, and retain the next generation of leaders…in-house…before it’s too late! Go check it out! 🎧 🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN: The problem with experienced engineers retiring and not enough young engineersWhy civil engineering firms wait too long to address leadership gapsHow to spot civil engineers with leadership potential early onHow to tie performance reviews to leadership potential (instead of just technical skills)The 2 best ways to train engineers in leadership roles.The single biggest and industry-wide challenge to developing leaders in-houseThe (many) non-monetary ways firms can retain and develop top talentStrategies for companies to train their engineers into leadersHow you can develop leadership skills — even if your company has no trainingWhy leadership skills are more important than (probably) ever before✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: American Concrete Institute (ACI) American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Post-Tensioning Institute (PTI) Trainings Six Sigma Certifications 🎁 OUR FREEBIES: The Civil FE Startup Guide The Civil PE Startup Guide FREE CFM® Course Module 📚 OUR EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Civil Engineering Academy Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator CFM® Practice Exam FE Environmental Practice Exam PE Environmental Practice Exam 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Newsletter Free CEA Community LinkedIn YouTube Channel support@civilengineeringacademy.com

    25 min

  6. 30 JAN

    CEA 2024 Year in Review!

    Do you do annual reviews to reflect on what you’ve accomplished and what’s next? 🤔 We do! In this episode, we review the year of 2024 here at CEA…and what we have in the pipeline for you! 😉 Using the SWOT analysis, we dive into all our positive and negative points in 2024, as well as all the opportunities and threats we see moving forward — both to CEA and the civil engineering industry as a whole! 😨 From adding new team members to updating our PE review courses…all the way to brand new course offerings for the Environmental folks and those in California. ✅ So, if you want to know more of what we achieved here in 2024, how to join the CEA Dream Team (as we call it 😂), and the details of how we plan to keep helping you thrive in your career, this is for you. 👍 Go check it out! 🎧 🚨 OUR 2025 NEW YEAR SALE ENDS THIS SUNDAY! 🚨 Discount: 20% OFF any review course Code at checkout: NEWYEARSALE Deadline: February 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST. Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course 🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN: 10 Years of CEA in 2025! The Power of Doing the Annual Reviews The SWOT Analysis Method for Your Annual Reviews Our Strengths and Achievements in 2024 Our Weaknesses and Shortcomings in 2024 Opportunities for Us to Exploit Moving Forward The Threats We See for Us and the Industry as We Head into 2025 Our Goals for 2025 & Beyond to Keep Helping You ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: CEA Students’ Success Stories Playlist Interview with Alberto Ortigão Interview with Lt. Gen. Thomas Bostick Interview with the Past NCEES Chief of Exams Interview with Robert Otani on AI Interview with Dr. Sam Zolfagharian from YegaTech on AI Episode on the Declining Enrollment in Engineering 🎁 OUR FREEBIES: The Civil FE Startup Guide The Civil PE Startup Guide FREE CFM® Course Module 📚 OUR EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Civil Engineering Academy Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator CFM® Practice Exam FE Environmental Practice Exam PE Environmental Practice Exam 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Newsletter Free CEA Community LinkedIn YouTube Channel support@civilengineeringacademy.com

    23 min

  7. 23 JAN

    Alberto Ortigão’s Journey to Getting His PE After 50 Years in Geotech

    Picture this: you’re 50 years into your career, have done all types of work all over the world, have your Master’s, a PhD, and the CEng. Time to hang up your boots, right? 🤔 Wrong!! ❌ For this fascinating interview, Alberto Ortigão jumps on the show to talk about his journey to pass the #PE Exam in the US…after everything he’s already achieved and done in his 50-year-plus geotechnical career! ✅ (You read it right. He got his PE after 50 freakin’ years! 😱) Alberto is living proof that no matter what stage you’re at in your career, you can (and should!) become a PE. Also, if you’re heading down the Geotech route for your career, he shares really good insights for young Geotechnical Engineers looking to thrive. If you’re planning to pass the geotechnical PE Exam and/or make a career in Geotechnical Engineering, then go check out the voice of experience in this interview. You’ll thank us later! 🎧 🚨 OUR 2025 NEW YEAR SALE ENDS SOON! 🚨 Discount: 20% OFF any review course Code at checkout: NEWYEARSALE Deadline: February 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST. Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course 🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN: Why He Wanted the PE License After 50 Years of Experience The 2 Hardest Aspects of Prepping for the Geotech PE as an International Engineer What's Wrong With Civil Engineering Exams: Theory vs. Practice A Big Piece of the Geotech Work That's NOT in the Civil PE Exam (But Should!) How Civil Engineering Academy Helped Him Prepare for the PE His Tips for You if You're Going After the PE Later in Your Career The Single Topic That Caught Him off Guard on the Geotech Exam Does the Civil PE Exam Really Help You in Practice? Was the Change Towards a More Specialized Exam a Good Thing? What Those Taking the Geotech PE Exam Need to Beat the Low Pass Rates What Every Young Engineer Going into Geotech Should Do...at a Minimum His Top 3 Tips for Anyone Prepping for the PE Exam Two Books He Wrote for Geotechnical Engineers What He Enjoyed the Most About the CEA PE Review Course ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Building Research Establishment (BRE) University of British Columbia (UBC) City University of Hong Kong Handbook of Slope Stabilization, by Alberto Ortigão Soil Mechanics in the Light of Critical State Theories, by Alberto Ortigão Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) 📧 CONNECT WITH ALBERTO: LinkedIn 🎁 CEA FREEBIES: The 5 Best FE Resources The Civil PE Startup Guide FREE CFM® Course Module 📚 CEA EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Civil Engineering Academy Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator CFM® Practice Exam FE Environmental Practice Exam PE Environmental Practice Exam 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Newsletter Free CEA Community LinkedIn YouTube Channel support@civilengineeringacademy.com

    26 min

  8. 16 JAN

    Crushing Construction Management with Lokesh Palani

    Would you choose a career based on its similarities with…wait for it…chess?! 😯 That’s why Lokesh Palani chose Construction Management, but you don’t have to be a pro chess player to win this game. 😉 In this interview, Lokesh spills the beans on the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Construction Management route for your career, including the growing role of data analytics and how it’s going to impact the field in a few years. Also, as a graduate of civil engineering, Lokesh’s journey shows how civil engineering opens doors to career paths most people don’t even consider — and some of them may not emphasize the PE license as much (even though it’s still a nice add-on for credibility 😉). If you’re exploring construction management or looking to branch out of your current field, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you learn the ropes…from someone in the trenches every day. ✅ Check it out! 🎧 🚨 OUR NEW YEAR SALE IS LIVE 🚨 Discount: 20% OFF any review course Code at checkout: NEWYEARSALE Deadline: February 2, 2025, at 11:59 PM MST 🧠 TUNE IN TO LEARN: How Chess Got Him into Construction Management Does the Construction Management Route Require the PE License? The 2 Certifications Construction Managers Need to Stand Out The Growing Role of Data Analytics in Construction Management How AI Will Help Streamline Construction Management The Biggest Demand in Construction...and How AI Will Help Fulfill That Uses of Data Analytics Before, During, and After Project Completion The 2 Skills Construction Managers Need — and It's not Technical Knowledge Commissioning in Construction Management What's a Good vs. Bad Day in the Life of a Construction Manager? The Hard But Rewarding Reality of the Construction Field The Salary and Type of Work You Can Expect as a Construction Manager His Tips for Young Professionals Starting in Construction Management ✅ RESOURCES MENTIONED: Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Yates Construction Hathaway Dinwiddie Virginia Tech 📧 CONNECT WITH LOKESH: LinkedIn lokeshpalani24@gmail.com 🎁 FREEBIES FOR YOU: The 5 Best FE Resources The Civil PE Startup Guide FREE CFM® Course Module 📚 CEA EXAM PREP RESOURCES: Civil Engineering Academy Website Civil FE Review Course Civil PE Review Courses CFM® Review Course FE Practice Exams FE CBT Exam Simulator PE Practice Exams PE CBT Exam Simulator CFM® Practice Exam FE Environmental Practice Exam PE Environmental Practice Exam 📱 CONNECT WITH US! Newsletter Free CEA Community LinkedIn YouTube Channel support@civilengineeringacademy.com

    31 min
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Welcome to The Civil Engineering Academy Podcast - your ultimate guide to everything related to civil engineering! Our goal is to support you at every stage of your journey to becoming a successful professional civil engineer, and to help you enhance your career and personal life. We share our expertise and provide you with valuable insights and practical tips to help you succeed. Join us for informative and engaging discussions on exam preparation strategies, career development, and cutting-edge engineering innovations. Whether you're preparing to ace the civil FE or PE exam, looking to adv

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