Karna Schumaker, Director of Financial Reporting for Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurants, Inc., started her career in Finance with two different internships. Her first internship was obtained through a contact that had sent her a check for a scholarship from Indiana University Alumni Club, OC. It was fortunate that Karna saved the envelope from the check with a contact name and address. That contact became a mentor and helped her procure her first internship at PacifiCare Health Systems. Then, the mentor guided Karna with her first job hunt, which landed an internship with Coopers & Lybrand and Rusty Pelicans Restaurants (now Bubba Gump). Later in her career, the mentor helped her obtain a job with PacifiCare.

Karna worked with Rusty Pelican Restaurants, during her internship at Coopers & Lybrand. That experience, along with the internship at PacifiCare, gave her the contacts and experience to obtain her present job at the Corporate Office of Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurants, Inc. in San Clemente, CA.

What did you learn in your first internship at PacifiCare? My internship duties included the completion of bank reconciliations and the preparation of other schedules. Although I had worked in restaurants and retail, the experience of working in an office environment was important. I learned to look and act professionally along with the day-to-day experiences as an accountant. Also, technology was changing the office environment. After slowly completing a simple task of copying papers, I learned that there was a much easier way to complete my project. The experience made me realize how much I needed to learn about the business world – even little things.

How did the internship with Rusty Pelican (now Bubba Gump) help you with your present position? I was sent to perform internal audits for all of the restaurants that Rusty Pelican owned. This gave me valuable insight into how restaurants operate, and helped me to understand the day-to-day operations. The internship experience still helps me today, as I communicate with all of the restaurants on a daily basis. I am aware of the restaurants’ cash and sales functions and issues that might affect them. The internship also gave me exposure to company employees. I stayed in touch with many of the employees after the internship, and the contacts helped me land the job with Bubba Gump many years later.

What would you tell students about internships? I am a big believer of internships. Although mine were paid, I would have taken unpaid internships for the experiences. In both internships, I learned new skills that helped me, once I graduated from Indiana University. However, the contacts were just as important. They eventually helped me get jobs, again. I still maintain a network with former co-workers.

What are you looking for in an accounting intern at your company? The company is looking for students with basic accounting skills and a willingness to learn. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurants, Inc. always has projects where we they could use interns. The company understands that interns don’t have a degree, but they can pick up skills with a little guidance. There are opportunities for internships in our restaurants and marketing departments. Students can find more information under “Careers,” on the Website: www.bubbagump.com.

For more information about this interview, contact Karna Schumaker
E-mail: karnashoe@yahoo.com