From IRAN to US: Engineer’s Daring Journey to PE Licensure!

In this article (and video above), I talk with Matthew Shakerian, PE, CFM, project engineer at Elevation Land Solutions, about the real-world challenges of preparing for the PE exam while working full-time. Learn which study strategies made the biggest impact and how a resilient mindset kept him moving forward despite every obstacle in his journey to PE licensure.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Matthew:

• How did your experience moving from Iran to the US shape your approach to preparing for the PE exam?
• How did you manage to balance your job, personal life, and studying while preparing for the PE exam?
• What helped you stay calm and focused during the PE exam, especially when dealing with test anxiety?
• What specific strategies or techniques did your psychologist share that helped you manage stress during the exam?
• What study materials or resources did you find most helpful while preparing for the PE exam?
• How did you manage your time during the actual exam to make sure you completed all the questions?
• What final piece of advice you would give to other engineers currently preparing for the PE exam?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

• Overcoming major life transitions builds resilience and determination, essential qualities for tackling the PE exam. This journey proves that personal challenges can fuel professional success.
• Careful planning and consistent daily study time help create structure and focus. Breaking preparation into manageable chunks allows steady progress while balancing work and life.
• Staying calm begins with knowing how to manage pressure. Breathing techniques and mental focus help reduce anxiety and improve performance on exam day.
• Guided breathing exercises and daily meditation help sharpen focus and build emotional control. These techniques create calmness and improve clarity during intense moments.
• Choosing study materials that match one’s learning style boosts comprehension and retention. Visual content and video-based learning often help maintain engagement and focus.
• Efficient time management includes flagging difficult questions and returning to them later. This keeps the pace steady and can lead to new insights from later problems.
• Preparing for the PE exam involves more than just studying. Seeking support and guidance while managing stress and responsibilities leads to a more confident and effective approach.

About Matthew Shakerian, PE, CFM

Matthew Shakerian, EIT, CFM, is a civil engineer dedicated to advancing infrastructure development in Houston, Texas. Currently a Project Engineer at Elevation Land Solutions, he has a strong background in hydraulics, hydrology, and floodplain management. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston and is pursuing his Master’s in the same field. With experience across multiple engineering firms, Matthew has contributed to complex water resource projects and continues to expand his expertise in hydrogeology and modeling. His journey from Iran to the U.S. reflects resilience and determination, driving his passion for impactful engineering solutions.

Sources:

Elevation Land Solutions
University of Houston
Connect with Matthew Shakerian, PE, CFM, on LinkedIn

I hope you found this article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will solve some more PE exam practice problems and answer other questions from our subscribers. Pass the PE Exam videos will publish weekly, so be sure to click the subscribe button so you don’t miss something that could make a substantial difference in your exam result.

Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of this video, or on this page and I’ll read and respond to them in future videos. So, if there’s a specific topic you want me to cover or answer, we have you covered.

I’ll see you next week… on Pass the PE Exam

Anthony Fasano, P.E., AEC PM, F. ASCE
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success