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The Journey From EIT to PE

Emily Ehringer started her career at Dunaway as an intern and engineer-in-training. We are proud to share in her accomplishment that after a decade of hard work and dedication she has earned her professional engineering license! We asked Emily what it was like to go from engineer-in-training to professional engineer, and all that’s involved in the process.

What steps did you have to take to get your PE license? What was the hardest part?

I took the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam to become an Engineer-in-Training (EIT). Then, an EIT must be supervised by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) until they obtain four years of work experience. In Texas, my master’s degree contributed to one year of my work experience. I completed the final step by passing the PE exam. The hardest part of the licensing process is the time management required to successfully navigate a new career and studying for the PE exam.

Why did you choose this career?

Early in my college career, I had a dream to have an effect on a city skyline. Coming from a family full of engineers, I knew I would need to become a structural engineer to make that dream become a reality.

How long did the process take?

Including an undergraduate degree, the process to become a Professional Engineer in structural engineering took about 8 years.

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I had a dream to have an effect on a city skyline. Coming from a family full of engineers, I knew I would need to become a structural engineer to make that dream become a reality.

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What do you enjoy most about engineering?

The puzzle-like process within a project is interesting to me, as well as the collaboration with architects and other professionals.

We feel lucky to have interns who transform into team members, just like Emily has. We are proud to invest in students and are always looking for new, brilliant minds to add to our team. If you’re looking to make your own journey from EIT to PE – we encourage you to keep an eye out for us at a career fair near you this spring. Learn more about our internships here.

Congratulations on this achievement, Emily!