By LaTunya Evans, Communications Specialist
ITTA BENA, Miss. — (MVSU) junior Terrell Booker is preparing to return to global consulting firm Booz Allen Hamilton after completing a successful summer internship in 2025 that has already opened the door to a future full-time career opportunity.
Booker, a computer science major at MVSU, has been invited to return for a second internship with the company in summer 2026 and has also received a pathway to full-time employment following the completion of his Bachelor of Science degree in 2027.
The hybrid internship allowed Booker to periodically travel to Washington, D.C., for week-long training sessions with other interns. The experience offered valuable professional development and exposure to the cybersecurity industry.
“When I arrived, I noticed there were very few people who looked like me,” Booker said. “It was a little discouraging at first, but it also motivated me to stay focused and prepared for whatever challenges came my way.”
Throughout the internship, Booker relied on advice from professors and mentors at MVSU. One piece of guidance he carried with him was the importance of maintaining professionalism in the workplace.
“On the first day, I wore a full suit,” Booker recalled. “When I looked around, everyone else was wearing khakis and polo shirts. My supervisors later told me it wasn’t necessary, but I wanted to present myself as professionally as possible.”
As the program continued, Booker learned to balance professional presentation with the company’s more relaxed dress culture while still maintaining a polished appearance during meetings and project presentations.
During the internship, Booker participated in several cybersecurity rotations, gaining hands-on experience in areas including cyber threat intelligence, incident response, operational technology, artificial intelligence and cyber risk assessment.
Each rotation introduced new technical challenges and opportunities for collaboration with supervisors and fellow interns.
Interns were evaluated every two weeks on a five-point performance scale. Booker said the feedback process became an important part of his growth.
“We received report cards every two weeks,” Booker said. “I was getting scores of three or four, and I thought I was performing at a five. So, I asked what I needed to do to improve. They told me I was the first person to ask that question.”
Seeking constructive feedback helped Booker refine several professional skills, particularly in public speaking and presentation pacing. The experience also reinforced the importance of communication and interpersonal skills alongside technical expertise.
Toward the end of the internship, Booker experienced a memorable moment that affirmed the work he had put into the program.
During a team dinner, Booker arrived slightly behind schedule and was surprised when the room erupted in a toast celebrating interns who had received return internship offers or future job opportunities. Among them was Booker.
“When I sat down, they immediately congratulated me on my return offer,” he said. “I had no idea it was coming. I was honestly overwhelmed with emotion.”
The moment served as validation for the effort and determination he brought to the internship.
Initially, Booker said he planned to pursue a career as a site analyst. However, his internship experience expanded his perspective, and he now hopes to work in a role that supports long-term professional growth and opportunities to move across different areas of cybersecurity.
Now entering his third year at MVSU, Booker continues to expand his leadership involvement on campus. He currently serves as Mr. Junior for the 2025–2026 academic year and is a member of the Beta Theta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., where he serves as vice president.
Booker credits his fraternity brothers with helping him maintain motivation, accountability and balance during his college journey. He also points to his mother, Tameka Booker, as one of his greatest sources of encouragement.
“She was always just a phone call or text away,” Booker said. “Her encouragement helped me through the difficult moments.”
Looking ahead, Booker hopes his experience will help demonstrate the value of recruiting talent from historically Black colleges and universities and inspire other students to pursue opportunities beyond campus.
“Nothing in life is easy,” Booker said. “Apply for every opportunity, no matter how big or small. Use your networks — alumni, friends, professors and family — because you never know who might connect you to the right opportunity.”
As he prepares to return to Booz Allen Hamilton next summer, Booker said he remains focused on continuing his growth while representing .
“With God first,” Booker said, “I’m ready for whatever comes next.”