Civil Engineer Overview: Sara Rodriguez: Sara Rodriguez

My passion for civil and marine construction was sparked during my internships in college, where I got my first real taste of what it meant to bring large-scale infrastructure projects to life. Securing my current position as a Field Engineer at Orion Marine Construction was a journey filled with learning, resilience, and, most importantly, persistence. My job search journey taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance and adaptability, and I hope sharing it provides insights to students navigating their own paths.

During my senior year at the University of South Florida, I applied to numerous positions in construction, ranging from prominent companies in heavy civil engineering to smaller firms specializing in marine construction. I submitted dozens of applications on platforms like LinkedIn, Indeed, and company websites. Many of them went unanswered, while others led to interviews but ended in rejections. At times, it felt disheartening, but I remained focused on gaining as much experience as possible to make myself a stronger candidate.

One of the turning points came during my internship at Cypress Gulf Development Corporation as a Cost Estimating Intern. This experience gave me a firsthand understanding of how budgets and estimates drive construction projects and allowed me to apply my coursework in a practical setting. It was also during this time that I honed my skills in cost analysis and collaboration with project managers. I leveraged this experience in every interview, showcasing how my internship had prepared me to contribute to construction projects immediately.

The opportunity with Orion Marine Construction came through networking and persistence. I first learned about the company through a career fair at my university, where I connected with their recruitment team. I followed up with them after the event, expressing my interest in marine construction and emphasizing the relevant skills I had developed during my internships. After several weeks, I was invited to an interview process that involved both technical and behavioral components. The interviews included questions about my ability to interpret construction plans, my approach to managing challenges on-site, and how I would handle specific scenarios related to marine infrastructure projects. I also had to demonstrate my knowledge of project scheduling and budgeting, which I had honed during my coursework and internships.

The entire process took several weeks, and the waiting period was nerve-wracking. I often second-guessed how I had performed in the interviews, but I reminded myself that every step was a learning experience. When I finally received the offer, it was an incredibly fulfilling moment. It was a testament to the importance of persistence and the value of learning from every rejection.

Starting at Orion Marine Construction was both exciting and challenging. I had to adapt quickly to the fast-paced and demanding environment of marine construction. The skills I had developed during my internships proved invaluable, but there was still so much to learn. Over the years, I’ve worked on some of the most rewarding projects of my career, including the rehabilitation of Port Canaveral’s North Cargo Berth 4 and the 40th Avenue Bridge replacement in St. Petersburg.

Reflecting on my journey, I would encourage students to embrace the reality that landing your dream job often takes time, effort, and resilience. Networking, tailoring your applications to specific roles, and leveraging every learning opportunity are critical to navigating the job market successfully. Above all, don’t be discouraged by setbacks—they are often stepping stones to something better. Every rejection taught me something new and pushed me to refine my skills, ultimately leading me to a career I am truly passionate about.

If I could go back in time, I would tell my younger self to embrace the journey, no matter how uncertain or challenging it may seem. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re trying to figure out your career path or land that first job, but every step you take—whether it’s an internship, a challenging class, or even a rejection—has a purpose. Trust that the hard work you’re putting in now will pay off in ways you can’t yet imagine.

I’d also remind myself to be patient and kind to myself. It’s okay to not have all the answers right away. Success doesn’t come overnight, and comparing your journey to someone else’s will only rob you of appreciating your own progress. Instead, focus on building your skills, learning from every experience, and staying open to opportunities that might not fit your original plan but could lead to incredible growth.

Lastly, I’d say to never underestimate the power of connections and asking for help. Reach out to mentors, professors, and professionals in the field who inspire you. Their guidance and encouragement can make a world of difference. And most importantly, believe in yourself. Even when things seem difficult or you face setbacks, remember that resilience and perseverance will carry you through. The future is bright, and you’re capable of achieving amazing things—you just have to keep going.