EUGENE, Ore. – For students aspiring to make an impact in the world of finance, real-world experience is key to turning academic knowledge into practical skills. Three Bushnell University students, Kyle Foss (pictured, right), Logan Gant (pictured, middle), and Jackson Gielish (pictured, left), are gaining hands-on experience this semester through their internships at Kernutt Stokes, a leading accounting and consulting firm based in Eugene, Oregon. Known for its expertise in providing comprehensive services, the firm offers a wide range of financial solutions, including auditing, tax planning, and consulting, to clients in various industries. Each student has found this opportunity to be a valuable bridge between classroom learning and professional practice.
We sat down with the trio to discuss their internship experiences at Kernutt Stokes and how these opportunities are shaping their future careers in accounting and finance. You can watch the full interview below on Bushnell’s YouTube channel.
Finding Inspiration in the Internship
Gielish, a senior accounting major, initially discovered the internship through an informational interview. “I wanted to learn more about what my major would look like in the real workplace,” he said. “After reaching out and speaking with someone at Kernutt Stokes, I was inspired to apply.”
Foss, also a senior accounting major, found that the internship offered an essential transition from theory to practice. “It was a great opportunity to take what I’m learning in the classroom and apply it in a real-world setting,” he said. “The expectations in a workplace are very different, and this experience is helping me bridge that gap.”
Gant, a sophomore accounting and mathematics double major, echoed these sentiments, noting that hands-on experience has been invaluable. “The difference between learning in a classroom and performing the job is night and day,” he said. “You can spend four years studying accounting, but you still have to learn the practical side of the work.”
Each student highlighted the challenges of adapting to new systems and expectations. “Patience and trial-and-error are key,” Gielish said. “You get something wrong, ask for help, then try again while improving along the way.”
Foss described the learning process as humbling but rewarding. “Each tax return we complete builds on the previous one,” he said. “It’s a continual learning process, and every time I open a new return, I feel like I’m making progress.”
Faith in the Process and Professional Growth
Reflecting on their journey, the students also emphasized the importance of perseverance and self-confidence. “Starting something new, whether it’s an internship, a hobby, or even a relationship with God, can be intimidating,” Gant said. “But once you push through that initial discomfort, you start to grow, and before you know it, you’re running.”
Foss added that the internship has reinforced his career aspirations. “I originally thought I couldn’t wait to leave Eugene after graduation, but this experience has made me reconsider,” he said. “Kernutt Stokes is a solid company with a great culture, and now I see the value in staying here.”
Bushnell’s Commitment to Career Readiness
The students credit Bushnell University for providing them with opportunities that integrate wisdom, faith, and service into their professional development. “Bushnell’s internship program offers incredible support,” Gant said. “It connects students with companies that truly invest in their growth, preparing us not just for jobs, but for meaningful careers.” All three agreed that the experience is irreplaceable. “An internship allows you to apply your knowledge in ways that a classroom never could,” Gant said.
Gielish emphasized the importance of taking a leap of faith. “If you’re interested in an opportunity, go for it,” he said. “The worst thing that can happen is realizing it’s not the right fit, and that’s still a valuable lesson.” Foss encouraged resilience: “Don’t give up when it gets hard. Either the task will get easier, or you will get better at handling challenges.”
Their experience at Kernutt Stokes has reaffirmed the importance of hands-on learning and the value of stepping beyond one’s comfort zone—proof of Bushnell’s commitment to holistic education and career readiness.
To learn more about Bushnell University’s on-site and online accounting programs, visit www.bushnell.edu/accounting and www.bushnell.edu/online-accounting. For more information on other academic programs within Bushnell’s School of Business, visit www.bushnell.edu/school-of-business.
For more information about Bushnell University’s internship program and how it supports students in gaining real-world experience, visit www.bushnell.edu/career-development.
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