Honoring the Professionals Who Shape Our Communities 

Each year, National PE Day is an opportunity to recognize the hard work, dedication, and expertise among licensed Professional Engineers (PEs)—the backbone of safe, innovative, and resilient infrastructure.  

Becoming a PE is no easy feat. It’s a journey marked by years of education, hands-on experience, long hours of study, and a relentless commitment to excellence.  

Two of our own recently joined this esteemed group: Kyle Otto and Payton Best, and their stories reflect the dedication, challenges, and deep sense of purpose that define this milestone.  

What is becoming a PE really like? 

For Otto, it was always the goal. 

“I wanted to take on more responsibility, contribute to decisions, and stamp my own plans,” he shared. After earning his master’s degree in engineering management, Otto began preparing for the PE exam using practice tests, training himself to think like an expert on every question. 

 
“It was a balancing act between work, personal life, and studying, but it was incredibly rewarding to have it all come together.”

His advice to future PEs? 

“Start right away. Don’t wait and forget the information. View every project as a learning opportunity and ask questions. JEO has a great culture and helps young engineers succeed.” 

For Best, the decision was driven by a desire to help people and make a difference. 

“After a few job shadows and an internship at JEO, I realized engineers didn’t have to look like a stereotype. An engineer could look like me.” She added that early on, becoming a PE meant she could use her skills to create real change in the communities she loves. 

Her preparation was a little unconventional. 

“I took my 1966 camper, my study materials, and my dog to the Nebraska Sandhills and had one last ‘relaxing’ study session with no distractions.” 

What does earning her PE mean to her?  

“Professionally, it’s a milestone I’ve worked toward since 2017. Personally, it’s even more meaningful. I’m the first engineer in my family. I earned this for both myself and my dad, who didn’t have the chance to pursue higher education but passed on his technical side to me.” 

The power of support

Behind every PE is a network of mentors, family, and colleagues cheering them on. Otto gives credit to his mentors at JEO, as well as his wife and family. 

“They were always there to answer technical questions and keep me motivated.” 

Best shared her gratitude as well. 

“As a first-generation college student, I often felt like I was figuring it out on the fly. But I found support at JEO. I wasn’t just following someone else’s path—I was given the tools to create my own.”