When Kyla Rankin first learned about the Professional Engineer (PE) license in college, she set a goal for herself: earn the credential and continue building a career that would challenge her to grow. Four years later, that goal became reality. In recognition of PE Day, we sat down with Kyla to talk about her journey, the people who supported her along the way, and the advice she’d share with future PEs.
Q&A with Kyla Rankin
Why did you want to become an engineer?
I’ve always loved puzzles, games, and figuring out how things work. Engineering felt like the perfect fit because it allows me to solve problems every day while making a real impact. I also knew it would be a challenging path, in school and throughout my career, and I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. I love working as an engineer.
What did becoming a PE mean to you personally?
It meant a lot. After learning about the PE exam in college, it became a personal goal I wanted to achieve. When I finally earned it, I felt proud and relieved. It was an exciting moment. Engineering school wasn’t easy, and neither is preparing for the PE exam, so reaching a goal I’d worked toward for years was a meaningful milestone.
What motivated you to pursue your PE license?
A big motivation was knowing I wanted to continue growing in my career. Having PE credentials opens doors to leadership opportunities and project management roles, areas I’m interested in pursuing.
My mom was also a huge inspiration. She is an incredible project manager, and growing up, I watched her build a successful career while raising my sisters and me. She taught us to stand up for ourselves, be proud of our accomplishments, and go after what we want. She’s been my role model for as long as I can remember.
What was your experience of studying for your PE?
I took my Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam during my senior year of college and started prepping for the PE exam a couple years later. My husband and I studied together for several months, because he was taking his exam too, and that made a difference. We kept each other motivated when the process felt overwhelming. I also benefited from a structured prep course that helped me stay on track. Having a study plan and a strong support system made studying for the eight-hour exam a lot easier. That’s something I’d recommend to anyone working toward their PE.
What advice would you give someone working toward the same goal?
Stick with it, even when it feels tough. There will be times when you’re tired, busy, or wondering if all the effort is worth it. It is! When things get challenging, remember why you started. Think about what earning your PE means to you personally and professionally. Keeping that purpose in mind can help you push through the difficult days. In the end, you’ll be really proud of what you’ve accomplished.
