By LaTunya Evans, Communications Specialist
Mississippi Valley State University scholar, Terrell Booker, has secured a spectacular summer internship with Booz Allen Hamilton, a federal contractor specializing in cybersecurity, software engineering, and data analytics. Bright and poised, the sophomore Computer Science major (cybersecurity emphasis) is eager to embark on this valuable, career building opportunity.
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Booker matriculated to MVSU excited to pierce his cleat into the turf of the Chuck Prophet Football Field. While he loved football, the sport never deterred him from his main reason for attending college - to earn a degree. He remained devoted to his academics, which exposed him to an abundance of thrilling, hands-on learning activities.
As he immersed himself more in his studies, Booker found himself less interested in football and more interested in the world of technology. Absorbing every ounce of knowledge about technology at MVSU, there wasn’t a doubt that a childhood dream could become reality for Booker.
Initially, his interest in computer science was sparked after watching the movie “Iron Man” and noticing how highly advance the cutting-edge technology used in the superhero’s suit was. Intrigued, he wanted to create a version of his own suit.
“Growing up, I loved Iron Man. I want to take the Jarvis or the Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the original suit and make my own. It is a cool idea and simple in theory, but the imitation of it will be much harder,” explained Booker.
Fueled by determination and drive, Booker continued to explore the complexities of computer science. He enthusiastically excelled in his classes including Java, Programming 1 and 2, Data Structures, and Machine Learning. Never succumbed to pressure, he worked diligently through his rigorous class work, which formed curiosity in expanding his knowledge and gaining more hands-on experience beyond school.
Eager to scratch the itch of inquisitiveness, Booker inquired information about ways he could learn more outside of the classroom from his department chair, Latonya Garner-Jackson. Immediately, Dr. Garner-Jackson informed him about internships and the importance of finding internships with a strong focus in cybersecurity since it was his emphasis. Trusting her instructions, Booker began his research.
After researching various companies, one in particular grasped Booker’s attention. It was the opportunity to intern for Booz Allen Hamilton, a company renewed for its focus in cybersecurity. Filled with joy, Booker began his application.
As Booker completed the process, his joy quickly transformed into worry as he questioned the strength of his resume. His worry quickly thawed, and he was determined to display his knowledge during the interview.
Briefly after submitting his application, he received his interview date, which was the same day as his finals. Despite being swamped with finals prior, Booker persevered, and all his finals were completed minutes before his interview.
“My teachers had prepared me well, so my finals were a breeze. My main concern was getting them out of the way, so that I could do well in the interview. After my finals, everything else was a cake walk,” said Booker confidently.
During the interview, Booker recalls the interviewers expressing their adoration for his honesty and impressive responses. Receiving the great feedback, a sense of security with the company overfilled Booker.
After the interview, weeks had passed, and there was no confirmation of an acceptance. Again, worry grew, but it was quickly extinguished by an unfamiliar call.
Preparing for a day out with his family, Booker received a call from an unknown number. Skeptical but curios, he answered, and it was the call he had been longing for.
It was the call confirming his selection in the internship. His immediate reaction was sheer blissfulness.
“I remember during the call, as the woman informed me that I was selected, I wanted to fall to my knees. I had been waiting so long for this call, and I was finally receiving it. As soon as I hung up the phone, I jumped for joy and zoomed through the house to inform my family of the news I had received,” he recalled as his face lit with delight.
Everyone was extremely proud of him, especially his mom. She had witnessed and supported him through his commitment to school, and for her, it was a testament to his hard work.
Looking ahead, Booker’s eagerness to display and apply his classroom knowledge in a practical setting while expanding his knowledge of cybersecurity continues to grow. While the internship is remote, Booker plans to be involved through various teamwork opportunities.
“I am overjoyed and excited to see what programs and projects I will learn from and be a part of. I plan to excel and be a sponge to hopefully get a return off of it for next school year,” Booker said cheerfully.
Booker credits his professors at MVSU for instilling in him the essential tools to be successful during his internship and in life.
“I’m grateful for Mr. Golden for helping me articulate my thoughts during the interview,” he said. “And I’m also thankful for Dr. Jackson for teaching me soft skills, like how to smile, be more relaxed, and more confident in front of others.”
Through this opportunity, Booker plans to display his exceptional skills in hopes that it encourages companies such as Booz Allen Hamilton to look at smaller school such as MVSU for talent.
“I want bigger companies to learn to target smaller HBCUs. I want to do so well that they look at me, and they’re wanting to go back to my school and get more talented students like me,” he said passionately.
In the future, Booker has dreams of becoming a Cybersecurity Analyst or Cloud Practitioner. With his determination, ambition, and a strong support system, Booker is ready to make his mark in the cybersecurity field and beyond.