After earning her undergraduate degree in civil engineering from UCF, Sarah Rendell ’25 is beginning a new chapter in her career. The newly minted alumna has been hired by Ardurra, a civil engineering firm that specializes in transportation, water resources and public works.
Rendell will serve as an engineer I, focusing on roadway projects. She’ll also assist with the Vision Zero initiative in Central Florida, which aims to eliminate traffic fatalities. She credits her time in the UCF civil engineering program with preparing her for this moment.
“Starting out at UCF, I was very quiet and reserved,” Rendell says. “However, through asking questions to professors, tutors, upperclassmen, and by putting myself out there at career fairs, I have found that the people around you are there to support you.”
While at UCF, Rendell took advantage of programs like GEMS and EXCEL, extracurricular activities like the UCF drumline, and student organizations like the American Society of Civil Engineers – which she led this past year.
“By junior year, I had experience in many projects through the ASCE student chapter. so I became the secretary,” Rendell says. “My senior year, I wanted to make sure that the chapter did the same for the next generation of students, so I accepted the nomination to be the president.”
Under her tutelage, the UCF ASCE student chapter was awarded the 2025 Region 5 Distinguished Student Chapter Award. While stepping into a leadership role paid off for Rendell, stepping outside of her comfort zone wasn’t easy. She advises current students to take the risk and not limit themselves.
“[Don’t] let imposter syndrome get the best of you,” Rendell says. “If you made it to UCF, you are capable of getting your engineering degree. It is only a matter of time and effort. One exam grade, or a final grade in a course, does not define your career.
Rendell will be focusing on her full-time career and will be studying for the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam in the following years.
“I hope to give back to the American Society of Civil Engineers by volunteering at various events and keeping in touch with the UCF Student Chapter,” Rendell says. “One piece of advice I would give is to constantly seek growth and put yourself in uncomfortable situations.”
- Written by Sydney Ford