Pursuing a career in engineering can be overwhelming, especially when facing challenges like the FE exam. That’s why we’re sharing inspiring stories from individuals who have overcome obstacles on their path to becoming licensed professionals. We hope these stories remind you that perseverance and the right strategies and materials can lead to success, no matter how difficult the journey.
Today’s story is from Zenaida, a 2017 graduate and dedicated engineer who balanced pregnancy, family responsibilities, and work to finally pass her FE exam and advance in her career. The following blog post has been adapted from a video interview, which you can watch here.
Why Did You Decide to Take the FE Exam?
“Well, it was more of a personal preference, something that we just, as engineers, always, you know, that’s always something that we’re gonna do for the most part. I wasn’t required to do it. Nobody’s forcing me. I just… I wanted to pursue that on my own eventually. My professional license as well. But in Kingsville, one thing I loved was they really pushed, um, the taking your FE. And so when we would do any class you take in Kingsville, when you do an exam, you have to use the reference handbook and the right calculator, or you cannot take it. Every class is like that. So it kind of prepared you, so that helped a lot, but yeah, it’s just something that’s always been engraved in, in my brain.”
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What Challenges Did You Face While Studying for the FE Exam While Pregnant?
Studying for the FE exam is challenging enough on its own, but Zenaida faced the additional hurdle of preparing for the exam while pregnant. Upon discovering she was pregnant, Zenaida had already committed to her study plan by enrolling in Genie Prep. She quickly realized that balancing her full-time job, family responsibilities, and pregnancy would be a formidable task. Her typical day involved working from eight to five, coming home to take care of her son, preparing dinner, and putting him to bed—only then could she find time to study. Despite the physical and mental exhaustion, Zenaida remained committed to her study routine, even dedicating time on weekends to her preparation.
However, she also recognized the importance of self-care and occasionally allowed herself to take a break when the demands of daily life became overwhelming. Zenaida’s determination was fueled by her deep motivation to succeed for the sake of her family, particularly her children. This unwavering commitment, despite the difficulties, was key to her ability to push through the challenges and stay on track with her FE exam preparation.
How Did You Balance Your Family Responsibilities with your FE Exam Preparation?
Balancing family responsibilities with FE exam preparation required careful planning and a strong support system for Zenaida. She and her husband worked together to create a schedule that allowed her to juggle work, family, and study time effectively. Despite the challenges, Zenaida was driven by her motivation to create a better future for her family, particularly her children. This motivation kept her focused and dedicated, even on the toughest days.
So I went in thinking, you know, I’m going to take this as a practice, it’s going to be fine. I can retake it. I’ll be okay.
Zenaida G, Civil Engineer
What Study Resources and Methods Were Most Effective for You?
Over the course of her FE exam journey, Zenaida experimented with various study resources and methods to find what worked best for her. Initially, she tried live webinar courses like Testmasters and PPI to Pass. While these courses were helpful in some areas, Zenaida found that they had significant drawbacks. The large class sizes made it difficult for her to get the personalized attention she needed, and the fast-paced nature of the courses didn’t align with her learning style. Zenaida realized that she needed a slower, more flexible approach that allowed her to thoroughly understand each subject at her own pace.
Ultimately, Zenaida discovered that on-demand courses, which provided the flexibility to study on her own schedule, were a better fit for her. This approach allowed her to take the time she needed to fully grasp the material without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The ability to review the material multiple times and ask questions after watching videos was particularly beneficial. Through this trial and error, Zenaida identified the study methods that were most effective for her and tailored her preparation accordingly.
What was Your Exam Day Experience Like, and How Did You Manage the Pressure?
“Well, I still didn’t feel prepared enough, but we never do. You know, you always can know more or you can always have done a little bit more. You always think that way. So I went in thinking, you know, I’m going to take this as a practice, it’s going to be fine. I can retake it. I’ll be okay. And what I did this time that was different than my previous attempts was I went to a different testing center just to change my scenery, you know, and change the drive over there. Luckily, where I live, we have two options. So the one I had always gone to, I went to the other one, you know, just to give myself a fresh start. I packed a lunch. I actually took my lunch. I called my husband on my lunch, and I talked to my baby. I relaxed. I was very relaxed. Went back in with, you know, after the 20 minutes break, and again, I just… I’m just taking this. It’s gonna be fine. And I was so surprised when I found out that I passed. I really was. I was very happy, but I was… It was a good feeling.”
On the day of the exam, Zenaida approached the experience with a mix of caution and a relaxed mindset. Although she didn’t feel entirely prepared—something she believes is a common feeling—she decided to treat the exam as a practice run, which helped alleviate some of the pressure. This approach allowed her to focus on doing her best without the overwhelming fear of failure.
To further manage the stress, Zenaida made some strategic changes to her routine. She chose a different testing center than the one she had previously used, seeking a change in scenery that might help refresh her mindset. She also planned her day carefully, packing a lunch and taking the time to relax during her break by talking to her husband and baby. This break helped her regain focus and enter the second half of the exam with a calm and positive attitude.
What Advice Would You Give to Others Preparing for the FE Exam, Especially Those With Family Responsibilities?
For those preparing for the FE exam, particularly those with family responsibilities, Zenaida offers some key pieces of advice based on her own experience. First and foremost, she stresses the importance of finding the right study material and pace that works best for you. Every individual is different—some may thrive with fast-paced courses, while others, like Zenaida, may benefit from a slower, more deliberate approach that allows for a deeper understanding of the concepts. It’s crucial to know yourself and tailor your preparation accordingly.
Consistency is another essential element. Zenaida emphasizes the need to carve out time from your busy schedule and dedicate it to studying. This time is an investment in yourself and your professional future, and staying consistent with your study routine is key to making progress, even if it’s just an hour a day.
