By LaTunya Evans, Communications Specialist
ITTA BENA, Miss. — student Joshua Gordon has been selected for a 2026 summer internship with SelectQuote Insurance Company, a publicly traded insurance broker that helps consumers compare and purchase policies.
The hybrid internship will allow Gordon to work both remotely and at the company’s headquarters in Kansas City, Missouri, while gaining technical and professional experience.
Gordon, a first-semester junior majoring in computer science, said his interest in technology began at an early age through consistent exposure to STEM programs.
“Since I was young, I have always loved technology,” Gordon said. “Every summer, my mom enrolled me in computer science and STEM programs, and that nurtured my interest.”
That early foundation led Gordon to develop a passion for problem-solving within the field of computer science.
“I enjoy being able to fix issues without having to be physically present,” he said. “Computer science allows you to analyze problems and find solutions that make systems work better.”
A 2023 graduate of Terry High School in Jackson, Mississippi, Gordon initially considered colleges close to home. However, his perspective changed after connecting with MVSU computer science professor Lee Redmond, who encouraged him to apply.
“Mr. Redmond made it his duty to get me to come to Valley,” Gordon said. “He would call me almost every day to convince me to apply and attend.”
After visiting campus, Gordon chose MVSU to continue his academic journey.
The youngest of nine siblings, Gordon said he saw college as an opportunity to grow beyond his reserved high school personality. That decision led him to run for and win the title of Mr. Freshman for the 2024–25 academic year.
He later expanded his involvement by serving as Mr. Sophomore for the 2025–26 academic year, a member of the Homecoming Committee, chaplain of the MCIS Club and a student worker in both the Athletics and Communications and Marketing departments. Off campus, he serves as a campus organizer for Mississippi Votes, participating in civic engagement efforts.
Through these leadership roles, Gordon said he has strengthened his communication, teamwork and project management skills, as well as soft skills such as maintaining eye contact, active listening and professional presence. He credits faculty members LaTonya Garner-Jackson, Marcus Golden and Lee Redmond for helping him develop in those areas.
Encouraged by his professors to network and pursue opportunities, Gordon began searching for internships on LinkedIn, where he discovered the SelectQuote opportunity.
After applying, he connected with MVSU alumnus Richard Spearman, who works for the company. That connection helped introduce Gordon to the hiring team and led to a three-stage interview process.
“I went through three rounds of interviews, so I was very anxious,” Gordon said. “After every round, I wondered if it was the final one, but I remained confident throughout the process.”
In March 2026, Gordon received confirmation that he had been selected for the internship.
Although initially unfamiliar with the insurance industry, Gordon said his interactions with company employees helped him gain confidence in the opportunity.
“I can definitely see myself working with the company,” he said. “They’re so nice and down to earth, and I loved their energy.”
Gordon said his coursework at MVSU, particularly in C++ and other programming areas, has prepared him for real-world applications. During the internship, he plans to further develop his skills in information technology, cloud systems and data analytics.
As he prepares for the experience, Gordon encourages fellow students to pursue opportunities with persistence.
“Apply, apply, apply,” he said. “Rejection will happen, but eventually someone will say yes. Not applying will hurt you more than rejection, so apply and build your resume.”