Isaac Oakeson: Hey, what's up everybody? Isaac here with Civil Engineering Academy. Excited to be with you on another podcast episode. Sorry about the background. We are in the midst of moving, so you get what you get. But anyway, I'm excited to be with you today. I bring on a course student of ours that entered The Ultimate Civil PE Review Course that we offer at Civil Engineering Academy, Cameron McLaurin. He actually recently passed his PE exam, so I wanted to get him on here and talk about his journey to passing.

Isaac Oakeson: He works for New York State Department of Transportation and has a ton of experience in a variety of different fields, including construction, water resources, transportation. It's all mixed in there. He ended up taking the Water Resources Depth exam. Well, the reason why he took that is very interesting and he'll talk about that in the podcast episode.

Isaac Oakeson: But I really enjoyed him coming on, talking about his own journey. There's definitely gonna be some tips in here that you're going to pay attention to if you are in the hunt of passing your own PE exam. But anyway, it was just a pleasure. So, Cameron's gonna be coming up right after this. I can't wait till you listen to it. And free to share this with a friend and leave comments if you are interested in hearing more of this content.

Isaac Oakeson: Definitely give us a like and a subscribe and leave us some sweet comments. We love hearing about those, when we love reading them. So if you need help on your own journey, check us out at civilengineeringacademy.com. We do have an FE course, PE course. We have a Certified Floodflooplain Manager course that's coming online in November, and we are working on a California Seismic and Survey course.

Isaac Oakeson: So it's all coming up. Exciting stuff. There's a lot of moving parts moving and we're excited to help you out on your own journey to become a Professional Engineer. So, anyway, that's a lot of stuff. Without further ado, let's get to Cameron and hear his story and his journey. You're gonna like it, it's coming up right after this.

Isaac Oakeson: Hey, I wanted to jump on real quick and let you know about a free resource we developed for you. You can find it at civilengineeringacademy.com/PEguide. And this will help you to jumpstart your studies for your PE exam. So, if you're in the hunt and you're just thinking about the PE exam, this guide will help you get through the process of figuring out everything you need to do.

Isaac Oakeson: From the PE exam's prerequisites that you got to figure out. The must-have materials that you're gonna need for the exam, any approved calculators, what groups you should join, exam secrets, and much more. It's all in this guide that we've got developed for you. It's completely free. You can go check it out at civilengineeringacademy.com/peguide. Just put in your email. We'll get you that information as soon as the email comes to your inbox. So go check it out, civilengineeringacademy.com/peguide.

Isaac Oakeson: Alright. Cameron, we are live and running. Thanks for joining me on the Civil Engineering Academy Podcast today.

Cameron McLaurin: Hey, thanks, Isaac. I'm really excited to be on this today.

Isaac Oakeson: I'm excited to talk to you. I think this is awesome. So I'm excited for you. I'm excited for your future. You know, we kind of connected over the PE and you passing that, but I want to hear your journey. So we're gonna talk about your journey.

Isaac Oakeson: So I always love starting these out though, just kind of figuring out what led you to this path of finding yourself in the world of civil engineering. How come you headed this way?

Cameron McLaurin: Yeah, man. All right. So, I'm originally from New York City, and I was born and raised in the Bronx. And I just remember at an early age, we used to have like older, like those box TVs, RC cars, and I used to just like rip them apart. When they broke down. And I was always like fascinated about how they were constructed. I can never put them back together, but I was just like really intrigued by anything.

Cameron McLaurin: And so I kind of knew earlier on, I'm like, "Ah, maybe something where my career takes me where I have to build something or construct something", but I didn't know what. So I get to high school and I excel at math. I like math. And so I figured out "Maybe engineering, I don't know."

Cameron McLaurin: So there was actually this camp at the University of Connecticut, and it was like a nerd camp of some sorts, but it was really good. It was probably like four days long and you stay overnight, and there was a bunch of different engineering curriculums you could take. So they asked you, "Hey, rank the order of like whatever you prefer". So I said, "Okay, maybe electrical engineering. You know, RC car, mechanical [inaudible], and civil third."

Cameron McLaurin: So then I remember I got my first preference, and I did a few days of electrical, and I knew, I'm like," Yeah, I like engineering but not this." So, wasn't a big fan of things you couldn't see. So I ended up getting to the University of Buffalo in New York. And ended up pursuing civil engineering.

Cameron McLaurin: I think by the time I graduated high school, I was like "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I want to be a Civil Engineer". I was always fascinated by like the high-speed rails overseas and even just like our infrastructure here. Like, could we support something like that here in the states? And so I was always like fascinated by transportation. So I ended going through my four years at UB and ended up graduating with my Civil Engineering Degree. And that's honestly how I fell into civil.

Isaac Oakeson: That's awesome, man. Well, it's a good story. I like hearing those backgrounds.

Isaac Oakeson: Well, let's talk about the PE. There's a natural order of getting that, but what motivated you personally to want to earn your PE?

Cameron McLaurin: Yeah, so I now, picking back up from when I was in school, I remember at the time, like, it's recommended that you take your FE in your final year of school. And I just always -- I kind of figured I'm gonna get into the project management realm, and I don't need my license for that. So that was my mentality. So then I'm seeing everybody studying for this FE and I'm like, "Why would I take an optional exam?" Like, that just seems silly.

Cameron McLaurin: I have all these other capstones and other exams that mattered to my grades. So I just ditched the FE and after school, after I graduated, I ended up working as a Project Engineer. So I did that and then, eventually elevated to a Project Manager. And I did that for probably a combination of six or seven years. But then at that time, I was like, "You know what?" There were opportunities that I was looking, that required that license. I was getting to a point where I wanted to be in a more supervisor role position.

Cameron McLaurin: And so now I'm looking at it, I'm thinking more about it, I'm talking to my wife, and I'm like, "I should have taken that FE when it was all fresh. So, I ended up like studying for my FE seven years removed from school. And boy, was that a challenge for me. But that's kind of what piqued my interest in getting my license. So this was probably back in 2019, I'd say.

Isaac Oakeson: Well, that's awesome. I mean, a lot of people have different motivations to get that PE license, but when you're able to move up in a company or there's other positions you can get that are a step up, that's definitely a good reason to do it. So, I like it.

Isaac Oakeson: Can you tell us what you're doing today? Where are you working? What's going on?

Cameron McLaurin: Sure. So, now today I am working for the New York State Department of Transportation. And it's in the public sector. I love it. And I feel like since I've graduated college, I've been in the public sector. But what I'm doing specifically, I am out in the construction fields. So I'm not necessarily in design, but I'm out there. Out on the streets with the contractor.

Cameron McLaurin: We are developing our local highway infrastructure. So a couple of jobs that I was on were pretty neat. I've been at this for going on two years now. But, it's funny though, is that while I was in school, I actually interned for the Department of Transportation for three years. So, I knew what I was getting into when I came back. But it's a great company. I know there's, again, with like, I'm not necessarily on train jobs, which I love, but I do like bridges as well.

Cameron McLaurin: So there's been a lot of like bridge rehab work, messing around with the piers and the pier caps. Maybe like the bridge deck repairs, fascia repairs, and a lot of like the steel bearings. Having to like lift the bridge messing around with the abutments.

Cameron McLaurin: There's a major expressway that kind of connects to suburbs and the city of Buffalo. So I was on that. And that's a different beast because that expressway, it's called the Kensington Expressway. It sees about average a hundred thousand vehicles a day. And so any work you do there is at night. So the DOT has its fair share of night work, which is not ideal for some. Ideal for some, but not ideal for most. But I was on that job for all of last summer.

Cameron McLaurin: But it's actually really a pretty cool job. Just a lot of like asphalt repairs, just a new top course on it. A lot of like, guide rails that were replaced, signage, all of that.

Isaac Oakeson: How do you see your PE helping you at your workplace? Are you having to stamp anything or do you feel like it'll contribute in other ways?

Cameron McLaurin: You know what, not yet. And I'm still waiting for that number to come in. So passing the exam is fresh but no, not yet. It will, I know, especially if I am in the design department. With the DOT, which is actually really cool, it's not uncommon for people to move around department to department. Say like the hydrology department or the design or the environmental.

Cameron McLaurin: I'm in construction now, but I work with people who where in several different departments. So out in construction, I wouldn't necessarily have to use my stamp, but it definitely gives you a certain cred.

Isaac Oakeson: Sure.

Cameron McLaurin: When you're dealing with a contractor, they know, "Hey, I'm talking to somebody who's a leader in the industry. "

Isaac Oakeson: Good. Well, I kind of like asking that just to know how that's applied in your own workplace. Because you know, engineers are working in a variety of different places. Some use it, some don't. Sometimes it's just a credential you need, but it sounds like it'll be of good use to you.

Isaac Oakeson: Let's dive into the PE a little bit. What was your biggest challenge as you were trained to prepare for the exam?

Cameron McLaurin: Yeah. So the biggest challenge, I would definitely say -- So, you know, I'm an avid listener of your podcast, and I gotta agree with many people, with their challenges. I think it's just like the timing, you know? Scheduling, trying to figure out when during my day should I sit down, buckle down, and study. Now, fortunately, I don't have any kids. Man, I have so much respect for those that do have kids, single moms, dads, all that. My gosh. But, I don't. So my wife and I, we actually lead the largest ministry in our church. So outside of work, we have a lot going on in the evenings.

Isaac Oakeson: Oh, man.

Cameron McLaurin: And there's certain things that I feel like are non-negotiables that I just can't miss. And so having to figure out, "Okay, when am I gonna sit down and study?" Because I know I need to study. I'm not gonna go into this exam cold. That was the biggest challenge.

Cameron McLaurin: Now, fortunately, my construction season this year was slow enough where I had more time in the office, so I was able to find some time during my workday. And supervisors and other staff were well accommodating. They all knew that this was, uh, pretty high priority for me. And so, I'm fortunate to have that so I was able to study in the office.

Cameron McLaurin: But I would definitely say, if the workdays were busy, holy cow, when am I gonna find the time in the evening? But having to just be disciplined, you know, getting things on paper, getting things on the whiteboard, and then sticking to that. It's one thing to just look at it in your calendar, but actually doing it.

Isaac Oakeson: Yeah.

Cameron McLaurin: That was definitely the biggest challenge, man.

Isaac Oakeson: Yeah. I mean, what you just described there, yeah. I think is a lot of people's problem is, they're staring at the PE exam, trying to figure out a schedule that works for them. And I really like that you and your wife discussed that to get on board with what you wanted to do. I'm assuming that she knew the value of this, not only for you, but you now, for your family as well. So, good tips around that.

Isaac Oakeson: So let's talk, I guess, a little bit about how -- You're a member of our course. How did you end up discovering Civil Engineering Academy? Why did you end up going that route?

Cameron McLaurin: Yeah. So I think it all started with a Google search, man. I was just looking around. I didn't know where to where to start. So when I studied for my FE, I failed it the first time. And when I did the FE, I felt like I studied enough. But I was kind of studying on my own terms in a sense. Like, I didn't sign up for any courses, I just ordered practice problem material. I looked up stuff on YouTube and took the exam that way.

Cameron McLaurin: And I did the same thing the second time I took it. I passed it the second time, but I knew that's not gonna fly when I take the PE. So I figured, I was like, "Yeah, I'm definitely taking a course this time. That's not an exam I want to fail repeatedly."

Cameron McLaurin: So, um, so yeah, I did a Google search and I was just looking around at different organizations and I know there was like the School of PE and I was looking at yours, and I think there was a couple others out there. I think you -- So, Isaac, it's funny because what really got me to sign up with you is like, I think I emailed you a question just about course reimbursement. You know, like, the Department of Transportation reimburses exam fees and course fees.

Cameron McLaurin: And you got back to me so timely and I was like, "Man, this guy's awesome." You know, "He seems personable. So I'm gonna sign up with this course." The price looked great too. And looking at reviews online. So I just figured, "You know what, let me go for it." And boy, no regrets, man. Your course has been a breath of fresh air for me.

Isaac Oakeson: Awesome, man. We love hearing that. And, yeah. I mean, we try to be responsive to people, especially if you're shooting emails to me. I get to all those emails. If I can't get to a technical question, it's gonna be me or someone on the team that's gonna help get to it. So, you know, we try to be very supportive because I know as an engineer, I'm in the same boat, right? And I was on that other side too. I feel like it wasn't too long ago, but now I'm like, 'Holy crap. That was like, a long time ago."

Isaac Oakeson: But, yeah. You need support. And if somebody is responsive, that definitely goes a long way. And we do try to be personable with people. And I think at Civil Engineering Academy, we've really tried to be just, you know, an engineer in the trenches with you, people that are here and help you are civil engineers, and definitely understand the struggle. So, appreciate you saying all that.

Isaac Oakeson: WI guess as a member of the course, what did you think was the biggest benefit of the course?

Cameron McLaurin: Oh, man. No question. It was the video practice problems. I went through them numerous times, the same problems. They were great. I mean, speaking of scheduling, having that homework -- What do you call it?

Isaac Oakeson: The planner?

Cameron McLaurin: The planner, yeah, that was awesome. I mean, I literally printed that out, taped it up on my wall. I'm like, "I'm just gonna follow this." It was spelled out great. I mean, even down to, like, the practice exams and when to take them. So I followed it like almost to the T. I mean, I had to make some revisions here and there just based off of what was going on in my life. But that homework planner was amazing. Video practice problems, it was very clear. I was able to follow it very well. And obviously, like, the, the videos as well. I mean, they were all great.

Cameron McLaurin: There were some things I wish I could have taken advantage of sooner too. Like, the live sessions and the Facebook, like the, the chat with everybody who are all going through the same stuff, even just like the encouragement that was going on through there. But definitely the video practice problems were hands down my favorite.

Isaac Oakeson: Awesome. Yeah, you mentioned a lot of stuff there. Yeah, we try to do a lot of live events for people that are, you know, struggling with particular problems and go through those as a team. And we definitely have some support groups. So, all good stuff.

Isaac Oakeson: Tell me about, a little bit about your depth exam. What did you end up taking there?

Cameron McLaurin: So I took the water resources depth exam. And, man, it's -- So, I'm in transportation, you'd think I would take transportation. Prior to transportation, I was in construction, so you'd think that would probably be my second option. But, no, I decided for water resources.

Cameron McLaurin: So when I graduated school, when I was working as a project engineer with this company, I was working like in the public sector with municipal work in potable water, wastewater facilities. So I figured like, "Okay, although I'm several years removed from that, um, there's probably some stuff there that I remember." But what was the real motivator though, Isaac, if I could be candid?

Cameron McLaurin: So my wife is in school, and she's full-time in school not working. So a lot of it was for financial reasons too. Like, I was looking at the water resources. I was like, "There's only two references required for this versus, like, transportation and construction, that there's like a hundred>" And I just, talking to colleagues and stuff, they're like, "Man, just expect to spend like somewhere in, you know, the hundreds to maybe even thousands on references."

Cameron McLaurin: So I was like, "I can't, I just can't swing that right now. And so I figured, Water resources, two references, I found them both online. It seemed like the most economical exam, economical route for me to take. So I think a lot of it was just the financials, man. The reason why I took it.

Isaac Oakeson: Hey, you know, that's just fine. It's good to be honest. You know, when I took it, Geotech had zero references and Water Resources had zero as well. They have slowly added to those, and now Geotech has a bunch, water Resources has two now where it used to have none, and they kinda keep adding to those. But yeah, you're right. You know? What would you suggest for someone that is up against that scenario and is looking at having to buy a bunch of reference material? Do you have any tips around that?

Cameron McLaurin: Yeah. You know what -- So, I know in the Department of Transportation, there's a lot of the references just scattered around main headquarters. So even just asking around, trying to find, you know, some updated references that may be laying around that you can borrow for a few months or for the exam. So, I'd recommend going that route. I do know, even just different like coworkers in my office, that they have some stuff.

Cameron McLaurin: Now, the problem is, I just don't know how updated those references are, and if I'm studying for this exam, I feel like I wanna study for, like, the stuff that I'm gonna see on the actual exam. But that probably be my recommendation. I could be wrong there, but --

Isaac Oakeson: That works.

Isaac Oakeson: Well, um, I'm gonna dive into practice exams a little bit with you. How valuable do you think, like, taking a practice exam is? Did you actually set up like a testing environment for yourself, or did you just work at, like, homework problems? And I know as part of the course we offer a CBT exam, like a simulator. I'm wondering how that worked out for you as well.

Cameron McLaurin: Oh, man. If I could go back in time and that'd probably be my favorite thing if I could re-answer that question. That CBT. But no, to answer your questions, the practice exams, yeah, they were a must. I tried to simulate exam settings. So I, I believe the first NCEES, you know, like, their practice exam, was probably the first one I took. And I just tried to partition some time on my Saturday morning and nothing going on, no noises. And I think, like, in my testing center, they even had like the noise-canceling headphones too. So I got myself prepared just to put them on and.

Cameron McLaurin: And, boy, I remember it's just such a mental marathon, going through, even just like the breath section. I mean, to sit there and concentrate for four hours straight, and then eventually, you know, eight or nine, it's a lot. So I remember the first time I took it, I think I made it maybe six hours into the full exam, full breath and depth, and I was becoming, like, just ineffective. I just had to table it and stop it. Yeah.

Cameron McLaurin: But then eventually -- So, I'm a runner, you know? I ran the, the Buffalo Marathon. And it's the same thing. I just had to build myself up to it, just like runners do. So I think probably by the second or third practice exam, I took several throughout my six months studying, but after like my second or third, I felt pretty good. Like, I was able to make it all the way through. I was still cooked afterwards, but, I was able to make it all the way through.

Cameron McLaurin: Bu then, that CBT, boy, that was awesome. I remember there's a, a room in my apartment where I just set up and I told my wife, like, "Hey, I'm doing this this morning." And you know, she's studying for her schoolwork, so she's in the other room, and just made sure I really tried to simulate, like, as if I was at one of those testing facilities. And had my computer set up. You know, I got some sleep the night before. I really just tried to simulate like, "Hey, this is the food that I'm going to eat the day before the exam, [inaudible], hydrating. I did all that for the CBT.

Isaac Oakeson: Great.

Cameron McLaurin: And the CBT, um, was just like almost identical to, to the actual exam, as far as like layout, expectations, even like seeing the countdown timer, when you could flag problems, going back to incompleted problems. It was great. It was great. Now I saw that stuff on the FE, but it was just like a nice refresher for the PE.

Isaac Oakeson: Yeah. Yeah. We offer that as part of the course. You can also check it out, you know, as a standalone item. If you just want the exam, you can go to civilengineeringacademy.com and go to our exams and go check that out. But yeah, we love that. We tried really hard to make it look like it, and we even allow you to pause it in the middle because we do know you have a life, and in case you need to pause, go do something, you can come back to it. So, uh, appreciate you talking about that a little bit.

Cameron McLaurin: For sure.

Isaac Oakeson: Cameron, do you have any other tips for people that are specifically taking the Water Resources depth exam?

Cameron McLaurin: Yeah. You know, I think as any civil engineer who obviously went through school, there's like stuff that you see on there that you're like, you know, the breadth section, the depth section, you're like, "Wow, I recognize this" or, or "I've worked with something similar to this out in my industry." And so I think like even just learning as you go too, it was actually pretty neat. Like that part of studying for the PE, I didn't expect, like, there were a lot of cool things that I was learning that I could take into my work, into my industry. So I think like, maybe even, it could be daunting, but having fun going through it.

Cameron McLaurin: Man, I think like having any sort of like, support group that you have. Honestly, I have a big community of people that were like constantly giving me words of encouragement, praying for me, just like always asking, "Hey, what's going on?" You know, bringing some food and stuff, sometimes when I forgot to eat. But I do think like that support group is so beneficial too any way that you have it. It could be like siblings or parents, whatever. But that was something that I felt like really helped me in my journey, and just crushing problems.

Cameron McLaurin: Oh, man. I know we hear it often, but there's so much benefit to it. I think like throughout -- So I ordered so many different practice problems off of Amazon and other. Like your website, I ordered some stuff. And I think like, it's cool because you get to see certain problems, but asked differently. Ask in maybe like four different ways. And that's something that, like on the exam, you may look at a problem, you're like, "Well, I know this is clearly like an estimating problem, and, but I recognize it, but I was kind of asked this a little bit differently." So, I think just like knowing all the different ways that you could answer that problem is so helpful, and you can only accomplish that just by crushing problems.

Cameron McLaurin: So that'd probably be the biggest tip I'd I'd offer.

Isaac Oakeson: Awesome. Was there any surprises on the exam or that you thought were like, "Gee, I wasn't ready for that" or something that surprised you? And also, for those that haven't never taken this, what was the testing center like? Was there any surprises there?

Cameron McLaurin: A couple surprises. Well, pseudo-surprises. So, your course did prep me for the amount of theory problems that were on the exam. But man, there were a lot of theory problems on the exam, morning and afternoon. So, I mean, I wasn't surprised. I felt like you equipped me for it, but I was sort of hoping that like, "Man, is it really that many theory problems? It can't be." And it was.

Cameron McLaurin: So, definitely a lot of theory problems. I felt ready though for them. Honestly, too, so I, I felt like the breath section was a little bit more challenging than I expected. The breath section, I was expecting, you know, breath to be, obviously the exam is tough, but I figured the depth section would be, like, the more challenging section. I found that the breath was surprisingly hard, if not harder than the depth. But that was just my experience. I know another coworker had a similar experience too, though. So that was a little surprising to me.

Isaac Oakeson: Crazy. Those are definitely good tips. Anything about the testing center itself?

Cameron McLaurin: Yeah. Oh, yeah. The testing center. So I did mine at the Pearson testing facility. And, you know, I think they're thorough there. So, the NCEES definitely lays out exactly what you need, what you can bring, what you can't bring, and you better believe that those proctors are checking for all that stuff. So, I think just making sure that you know, and understand what you can and can't bring.

Cameron McLaurin: Because I know like when you get to the testing center, you park, I got there a little early. I think my exam time was for eight o'clock, and I think I got there at like seven 30. because I was just nervous. So I got there early, made sure I got everything in my locker. They give you your key bring your ID. They take a nice little photo of you right before the exam, so you could choose a smile or mean mug. It's up to you.

Cameron McLaurin: So, I think like, yeah. Again, like just knowing what you need to bring and can't bring. They make you leave, for example, they make you leave the cover off of your calculator and you have to put that in your locker. And even like the down to, like the clothes that you wear, they constantly check. They make sure they roll up your sleeves or have you roll up your sleeves and they check to see if you have anything. So they're thorough. They're thorough,

Isaac Oakeson: Man. Way thorough. Well, it's good to know. Some people have questions about that, so I love asking, you know, what was your testing center like? So that's good to know.

Isaac Oakeson: Well, awesome. Cameron, this has been really fun. Is there any last second tips you would throw out to anybody preparing for this?

Cameron McLaurin: Oh, man. There is a lot of benefit to taking care of your body going into the exam. So, make sure you hydrate, if you're into electrolytes or trace minerals, you know, put some of that in your water. Eat some good omega three fatty foods, leading up to your exam. I felt like having a good proper diet, a good proper like exercise routine or stretch routine definitely calms the mind going to the exam. And I felt like it made a huge difference. And so, really taking complete care of your body, going in, you'll feel great afterwards.

Isaac Oakeson: So don't pound the, like, Red Bulls the morning of, or anything like that?

Cameron McLaurin: Don't do that. Don't do that.

Isaac Oakeson: All right. Okay. Good to know.

Isaac Oakeson: Well, awesome. Well, if you were gonna tell anyone, you know, a good reason why they would join up with Civil Engineering Academy's course, what would you say about that?

Cameron McLaurin: Please do. Don't think twice about it. It's amazing. I was able to pass it the first time having taken this course. I signed up for the six-month option, and yeah, I can't speak any highly, more highly, of this course. I'm preaching it to all of my coworkers. It's a great course. Yeah. Recommend it. Totally.

Isaac Oakeson: Awesome. Thanks, Cameron. This has been really fun. And I wish you all the success in the world with your career, and the PE is really the springboard to launching your career into different areas. So, I'm excited for you and your future. Thanks for coming on and sharing your journey with us.

Cameron McLaurin: No, thanks a lot, Isaac. It was awesome being here.

Isaac Oakeson: Okay, we'll talk to you later.