Engineering is more than just a career; it’s a journey marked by dedication, continuous learning, and professional growth. At BFW/Marcum, we celebrate the milestones our engineers achieve, recognizing the hard work and passion behind each accomplishment. Elijah and Josh, two of our outstanding engineers, share their experiences and insights on what it means to be a Professional Engineer.
The Journey Begins with a College Degree
Both Elijah and Josh knew early on that they wanted to be engineers, so they pursued their degrees with determination. Elijah earned a degree in Business Administration Marketing from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, before moving on to Mechanical Engineering at the University of Kentucky, Paducah. Josh focused on a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, specializing in Structural Engineering.
What’s the Difference between an Engineering Degree & a PE?
Elijah and Josh both agree this question is complex and varies depending on context. Elijah shares:
“At times, there isn’t a huge difference between the two. I know there are a lot of people way more intelligent than I am that are not PEs. To me, a PE is a continuation of the engineering journey, but in a specialized area versus the broad scope required to obtain a college degree.”
Elijah values the work ethic a PE represents, while Josh sees it as a bridge between academic knowledge and real-life experience.
PEs Give You Leadership Chops
Elijah and Josh pursued PE licenses to grow into project managers, believing a PE license would provide essential skills and credibility. Elijah explains further:
“I went into engineering later in life than many others, and obtaining the PE helped me compete with those who had more experience simply because they earned their degrees earlier. I also wanted to pursue project management and be able to stamp final design documents.”
Josh agrees, adding that having a PE opens more doors.
“Long story short, I wanted to become a project manager that leads a team. To become a project manager, it is usually a requirement to have a PE license. A license proves you have the knowledge and skill to complete projects that meet code regulations.”
What’s Next?
Engineering offers a multitude of career paths, and both Elijah and Josh are not done yet. They aim to enhance their leadership skills now that they are project managers, with Josh specifically eyeing a Structural Engineering License.
“To legally stamp structural drawings in Illinois, you’re required to have a Structural Engineering License (SE). I am currently working on obtaining this license for Illinois and Kentucky. I have passed the first part of the test and am awaiting the results for the second part. So, fingers crossed!”
At BFW/Marcum, we prioritize finding individuals with a natural curiosity, who continuously strive to improve themselves. We believe in never stopping the pursuit of knowledge and always exceeding expectations. Getting a PE license perfectly embodies these values.
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