In this article (and video above), I talk with Wendy Bailey, Structural Department Manager at Burns & McDonnell, about the importance of standing out in today’s competitive job market for engineers. With the demand for skilled engineers on the rise, earning an FE certification can be a key differentiator. Wendy Bailey shares her insights on how passing the FE exam can give candidates an edge in the hiring process and the various benefits it offers when applying for jobs.
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Wendy:
- How does passing the FE exam make candidates stand out in the hiring process compared to those who haven’t taken it?
- Does passing the FE exam suggest any specific soft skills or attributes for potential engineers at your firm?
- Are there specific roles or projects at Burns & McDonnell where FE certification is particularly advantageous or required?
- How does Burns & McDonnell support employees who are preparing for or seeking to take the FE exam?
- Have you noticed any patterns in the career paths of engineers who pass the FE exam early compared to those who haven’t taken it?
- Do you have any last pieces of advice for our viewers about taking the FE exam?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode:
- Having FE certification or EIT on a resume signals to recruiters that the candidate is committed to getting licensed and advancing their career, aligning with Burns & McDonnell’s values. This demonstrates initiative and a focus on professional growth, which is highly valued by the company.
- Passing the FE exam demonstrates a candidate’s ability to absorb and apply technical knowledge, highlighting their commitment to continuous learning. It also shows initiative and a willingness to pursue further education, aligning with the lifelong learning expected of engineers.
- At Burns & McDonnell, all engineers are expected to obtain professional licensure, starting with the FE exam. This empowers them to own their projects and make decisions directly with clients, reflecting the company’s commitment to employee ownership and entrepreneurship.
- Burns & McDonnell provides tuition assistance and resources for job-related courses and certifications. As a hiring manager, seeing an FE certification or EIT designation on a candidate’s resume is typically preferred, though individual circumstances are always considered.
- How does passing the FE exam contribute to the overall success of projects and team dynamics at Burns & McDonnell?
- Passing the FE exam shows you’re committed to engineering and solving problems for clients, reflecting initiative and a proactive approach to teamwork at Burns & McDonnell. This aligns with our culture of employee ownership and success, where everyone’s dedication contributes to team achievement and client satisfaction.
- Taking the FE exam soon after finishing your undergraduate degree is crucial. It tests foundational knowledge that’s fresher in your mind, making it easier to pass. Delaying the exam can make it harder to recall that knowledge and could slow your career progression, especially for roles that require licensure.
- Taking the FE exam in your final year of coursework is ideal, marking your entry into professional engineering. Passing this test signifies your readiness to contribute to impactful projects that shape society, making it a significant milestone in your engineering career.
About Wendy Bailey
Wendy Bailey has been with Burns & McDonnell since 2008, after graduating from Missouri University of Science & Technology. As a structural engineer, she specializes in steel, concrete, and masonry design, with expertise in high seismic and wind regions like Hawaii, Illinois, and California. Her projects include airplane hangars, operation headquarters, and training facilities for both commercial and government clients. She also designs structures supporting photovoltaic installations.
Outside of work, Wendy is passionate about promoting STEM careers. She participates in Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day and mentors high school students in engineering classes.
Sources:
Burns & McDonnell
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Army Corps of Engineers
PE Exam
FE Exam
EIT (Engineer in Training)
Connect with Wendy Bailey on LinkedIn
This Episode Is Brought to You by Burns & McDonnell
At Burns & McDonnell, our engineers, construction and craft professionals, architects, planners, technologists, and scientists do more than plan, design, and construct. With a mission unchanged since 1898 — make our clients successful — our more than 13,500 professionals partner with you on the toughest challenges, constantly working to make the world an amazing place. Each professional brings an ownership mentality to projects at our 100% employee-owned firm, which has safety performance among the top 5% of AEC firms. That means we think like owners, working through each challenge until it’s resolved, meeting or exceeding our client’s goals. Find out more about Burns & McDonnell here: burnsmcd.com/careers
I hope you found this week’s FE Exam article helpful. In upcoming articles, I will answer more FE Exam questions and run through more practice problems. We publish videos bi-weekly on our Pass the FE Exam YouTube Channel. Be sure to visit our page here and click the subscribe button as you’ll get expert tips and tricks – to ensure your best success – that you can’t get anywhere else. Believe me, you won’t want to miss a single video.
Lastly, I encourage you to ask questions in the comments of the videos or here 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.
Anthony Fasano, P.E.
Engineering Management Institute
Author of Engineer Your Own Success
