Laura Drennon

Laura Drennan
The job: Senior internal auditor
The employer: HNTB Companies, based in Kansas City, is an employee-owned infrastructure firm serving federal, state, municipal, military and private clients. Professionals nationwide provide planning, design, program management and construction management services.
My role: The senior internal auditor role is responsible for leading, performing and completing internal audits. This may include leading audit teams and supervising the work of other professional staff on a project basis.
How long have you been in this position?
Since May 2008.
How did you find your job?
I decided over the Christmas holiday in 2007 that I wanted to return to Kansas City from Austin, Texas, where I was then working, to be closer to family. I gave notice to my Austin employer so that I could concentrate full-time on my job search in March 2008. I stayed in Austin nearly another two months and applied for positions online and talked with recruiters. A recruiter and staffing firm in Kansas City, Robert Half & Associates, connected me with HNTB. I had an interview with my manager and the director of internal audit separately. Later, I had an interview with a senior management associate, the director of the accounting group. And then, once again, I met with my manager and the director of internal audit. I was offered the job by human resources soon after that last meeting.
What helped the most in the job search?
While still in Austin, I polished my resume and had it critiqued by anyone who would give me feedback. One of those who critiqued it was Laura Johannesmeyer, of the Johnson County Community College job club in Overland Park. She also provided job search suggestions for me before I moved back and was able to start attending the job club here. I applied for positions online; contacted recruiters and family and friends back in Kansas City. I had several phone interviews with prospective employers while still living in Austin. That all gave me a head start on my search.
Did you reach a low point in this process?
I supposed I had a day or two that I was nervous that I was having many phone interviews and talking to recruiters but no offers. I positioned myself both financially and emotionally to do whatever it took to find a good position. I didn’t let a day go by that I wasn’t doing something toward finding a position.
What is your educational and work experience?
After working in customer service for an area bank, I stepped into bank auditing, and most of my career has been in this field. I have a bachelor’s degree in business, with a major in accounting, from Emporia State University (1994). I am a licensed certified public accountant in Kansas; a certified internal auditor; a certified information security auditor; a certified financial service auditor; and a certified control self assessor.
Is there anything else you would like to share related to the job search?
I read once that you should begin preparing for your next position as soon as you start your current one. Keep growing, learning and trying new things.
How does this job fit into your long-term career plans?
HNTB is positioned to grow even through these troubled economic times. I like the idea that this is a new growing audit department, where I can utilize my many years of audit experience.
| Sue Dye Babson, special to The Star