Mastering the FE Exam Amidst School and Work Chaos!

In this article (and video above), I talk with Brea Jarrell, EIT, an Engineer I at Parametrix, about the transition from student life to full-time engineering work, the pivotal role mentorship has played in her career, and how mastering the FE Exam—and the skills and mindset gained from that preparation—continue to impact her daily responsibilities.

Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Brea:

• How did you land your opportunity with Parametrix as a freshman, and what was that experience like?
• When did it become a priority for you, and can you walk us through the emotional and practical journey of not passing it the first time? What changed the second time around?
• How did you find the time and focus to study for the FE exam? Were there any specific strategies or habits that helped you stay on track, especially the second time?
• Were there any tough or unexpected FE topics that really challenged you? How did you work through those moments, and did any mentors help guide you through the more difficult parts?
• How did you go about finding them, and what impact have they had on your transition from student life into the professional world?
• How do you see the concepts or mindset from your FE preparation showing up in your day-to-day work?
• What final piece of advice would you offer to students or early-career engineers, especially those who may be struggling with the FE or navigating the shift from college into the professional world?

Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:

• Students who show genuine curiosity and take initiative, such as setting up informal chats, often create opportunities. A simple conversation about the field can lead to real connections and even interviews.
• Mastering the FE exam becomes a true priority as graduation approaches, and not passing the first attempt can be a powerful lesson. What matters most is how one responds by adjusting the plan, staying focused, and moving forward.
• Balancing work and study is possible with the right support and thoughtful planning. Taking time off, scheduling the exam during lighter weeks, and choosing a less stressful day all help improve focus and performance.
• Even top students face challenges in areas outside their concentration. Focusing on strengths and seeking guidance from mentors helps maintain balance and confidence.
• Mentorship typically begins with a simple conversation and a willingness to ask questions. Professionals are usually eager to share their experiences and support those starting their careers.
• Preparing for the FE exam builds the ability to read and understand technical standards, a skill used every day in engineering work. With time and repetition, this leads to greater confidence and accuracy on the job.
• Students and early-career engineers should not hesitate to reach out for support. Building a strong network and staying engaged through challenges can make a lasting impact on professional growth.

About Brea Jarrell, EIT

Brea Jarrell, EIT, is an emerging civil engineering professional currently serving as engineer at Parametrix, Inc. in Seattle, Washington. With a strong academic foundation from the University of New Mexico, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Brea has developed a well-rounded engineering skill set complemented by her hands-on experience in both public and private sector projects.

Her professional journey with Parametrix began as a technical aide and continued through a junior engineer internship before being promoted to her current full-time role. Throughout her time with the company, she has demonstrated dedication, growth, and a commitment to engineering excellence.

Brea is a licensed engineer in training (EIT) and passed the FE Exam in November 2024. Her leadership qualities were highlighted during her term as president of the Chi Epsilon Chapter at UNM, and she also contributed to academic success initiatives as a Spatial Visualization Workshop Leader.

Among her accolades, Brea was named the UNM outstanding civil engineering senior by the ASCE NM Section and received the prestigious Dwight D. Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship, recognizing her potential in the transportation engineering field.

A native or bilingual speaker of Korean, Brea brings a global perspective to her work and is passionate about sustainable infrastructure and innovative design. She continues to expand her professional network while contributing meaningfully to the engineering community.

Sources:

Parametrix
UNM

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