Michael R. Lindeburg, PE, is one of the best-known authors of engineering textbooks and references. His books and courses have influenced millions of engineers around the world. Since 1975, he has authored over 40 engineering reference and exam preparation books. He has spent thousands of hours teaching engineering to students and practicing engineers. He holds bachelor of science and master of science degrees in industrial engineering from Stanford University.
Q. What are the most important elements of a PPI review manual and what makes them the best?
A. My review manuals are the best because I give the customer everything they need. This applies to what they need to not only pass their exam, but also to become excellent engineers. I write my books to hold all the knowledge an engineer needs to know to be competent in their profession. As they’re studying, sure they’re learning the information they need to pass the exam. But, they’re also learning what they need to pass in their careers. The latter is even more important to me than the exam. But for the exam, I always make sure my review manuals have an extensive, thorough index. An extensive index is critical to be able to find the information quickly.
Q. Why do you offer a passing guarantee?
A. I offer a passing guarantee because I stand by my products 100%. There’s nothing more important to me than quality. I spend a lot of time writing my material to be thorough, clear, and accurate. I know the exam specifications, and I know what engineers need in order to pass. I’m confident that as long as an engineer truly puts in the time studying with my products, he or she will pass the exam. The passing guarantee is there to support this.
Q. Why is licensure important?
A.There are many good reasons why an engineer should be licensed—besides the obvious career development reason. The professional engineer (PE) license will of course set one apart from other engineers without their PE license, and the PE license will expand career growth opportunities. For those engineers who want to be consultants, or who want to be able to prepare, sign, seal and submit engineering plans, the PE license is an absolute requirement. But the PE license is more than these benefits. The PE license marks someone as a leader in their field. It’s a prestigious standard recognized by industry professionals, employers, and the public that shows a commitment to knowledge and skill. It’s a demonstration that an engineer is a true professional, and one who is willing to work hard to be the best. It is a badge of honor, worn only by those worthy of it. If an engineer is serious about engineering, the PE license is the way to show it.
Q. What piece of advice would you offer a recent engineering grad?
A. Take the FE exam immediately or soon after graduation while your studies are still fresh in your mind. Then, get a job, internship, or anything that allows you to apply what you have learned in college. Don’t hold out for your ideal, most perfect job. Most likely, that ideal job you’re imagining doesn’t truly exist. Instead, be open to anything that will offer you the ability to apply what you’ve learned in college. College is not the “real world,” and in order to be a great engineer you have to get out into the real world and start applying what you’ve learned. There will be bumps along the way. You’ll learn the most from your mistakes. Embrace them, then resolve not to make the same mistake twice. In your career, you’ll have good bosses and you’ll have bad bosses. You can learn a lot from both if you resolve to make the most out of every situation. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You never know when that new thing (like agreeing to teach an engineering class!) will define your entire career path. Smile. Get a good’s night rest as often as you can. Develop relationships, even when you’re busy building your career. There is nothing more important in life than family and good friends. Above all else, stay hopeful.
Q. What is your mantra?
A. Always, always, always be honest, legal, and ethical. When making decisions, I always ask myself, Is it honest? Is it legal? Is it ethical? If an idea passes those questions, most likely it will be a good decision. And, always keep a level head. When the world is going every which way and your next step isn’t clear, stop, take a break, and breathe. In my lifetime as a professional engineer, I haven’t found much that can’t be fixed by sitting down with someone you love, having a piece of pie, and drinking a cup of tea.
