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A Message from the Associate Dean and Senior Director of the CDO
Dear Pomona College Community and Partners,
The Career Development Office’s 2025-2026 Annual Impact Report gives a snapshot of our programming initiatives and how our office supports Pomona College students and alumni. We take pride in our collaborations with staff, faculty, and families, showcasing our commitment to providing innovative career support to our Sagehens.
From July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, our office held 1,926 advising appointments/drop-ins and 104 unique career events. These numbers illustrate the impact of our work and the many ways we engage with students and alumni across the Pomona community. We remain committed to delivering accessible, innovative, and student-centered career support that empowers every Sagehen to thrive.
Best Regards,
WHAT WE DO
CAREER EDUCATION & ADVISING
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
CAMPUS RECRUITMENT
GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS
FELLOWSHIPS & GLOBAL AWARDS
The Mission
Our mission is to empower students and alumni to utilize their liberal arts education to gain self-understanding, identify their interests, and formulate a career plan.
We strive to inspire, educate, and equip Sagehens for a purposeful and rewarding life.
WHO WE ARE
Hazel Raja
Associate Dean & Senior Director
Wanda Gibson, PhD
Assistant Dean & Deputy Director
Susanne Mahoney Filback
Associate Director of Preprofessional Programs & Pre-law Advisor
Denisse Jover
Associate Director of Employer Relations & Experiential Programs
Jason Jeffrey
Associate Director of Fellowships & Career Advising
Elizabeth Contreras
Assistant Director, Experiential Learning & Career Advising
Kerry Martin
Assistant Director of Alumni Services & Career Advising
Natalia Zafferano Peragine
Career Advisor
Leandra La Fon
Manager of Communications & Digital Media
Jasmine Lockhart
Administrative Coordinator for Experiential Learning Programs, Fellowships, & Career Advising
Cristina Ruiz
Administrative Coordinator, Operations & Data
Our Approach
Through a wide range of programming, networking, resources, and recruitment opportunities, the CDO uses five career pathways as a guiding framework to expand our impact across campus. Grounded in a liberal arts approach, we are intentional in empowering students to explore diverse career possibilities with curiosity and confidence.
Career Pathways Programming
From Script to Screen: A Fireside Chat with Don D. Scott (Screenwriter/Producer)
Alumni in Communications: Telling the Stories
Sagehen Interns In Art, Entertainment, & Media!
Coffee Chats with High Point Associates
From Pomona to Beli: A Fireside Chat with Eliot Frost ’13
Wall Street Prep Liberal Arts Boot Camp (Weekend Workshop)
1:1 Career Chats with City Year
Education & Social Impact Career Week: Summer Experience Panel
Lunch and Learn: The Role of Education in Policy, Skills and the Workplace
Claremont Colleges Law School Fair
Yale Law School Information Session hosted with CMC
Reading Comprehensive Webinar for LSAT with Testmasters
5Cs + Accenture Present: STEM in Consulting!
STEM Student Research Panel
Drop-ins w/ Tufts Gordon Institute
Meet our peer advisors
Peer Advisors serve as ambassadors of the CDO, creating meaningful engagement through daily drop-in support that meets students where they are. Through programs for diverse communities, they extend our reach and deepen our impact.
Clare A’Hearn ’26
Public Policy Analysis
Daniel Tsai ’26
Economics & Math
Dicle Acu ’27
Neuroscience
Emily Gao ’26
Cognitive Science & Economics
Josephine Yip ’26
Psychology & Linguistics
Kaixin Yan ’27
Politics & Economics
Katharine Turcke ’26
Politics & English
Kristen Taylor ’26
Philosophy and Dance
Lilian Hu ’27
Economics & Data Science
Sarah Russo ’28
Public Policy Analysis
PEER PROGRAMMING
ASK ME ANYTHING TABLING
HEADSHOT EVENTS
PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING SKILLS FOR ALPFA
CAREER NARRATIVE FOR TRANSFER STUDENTS
THEMED DROP-IN EVENTS
176
Total drop-ins conducted by Peer Advisors
15
Total programs led by Peer Advisors
Engagement
Engagement is comprised of the number of Sagehens who attended programs, drop-ins, & appointments.
over 1/2 of the Sagehens that engaged with us,
did so MORE THAN ONCE.
3,991
Total Engagement
Collaborations
15+
Campus Partners
Academics
Advancement Division, Alumni & Family Engagement
Student Employment Committee (Financial Aid, Human Resources, International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS))
Claremont Colleges Law School Fair
Finance and Accounting Meet-up hosted with CMC
Consulting Meet-up hosted with CMC
Alumni services
The CDO is committed to helping alumni throughout their lifelong career journeys. Supporting alumni spanning from the classes of 2007–2025, the office made a lasting impact through career guidance, resources, and connections that empowered graduates to achieve their professional goals.
TOP ALUMNI APPOINTMENT CATEGORIES
FELLOWSHIPS & PROFESSIONAL/ GRAD ADVISING
112
JOB SEARCH ASSISTANCE
96
CAREER PATHWAYS & TRANSITIONS
40
508
Total alumni appointments
158
Unique alumni appointments
Chirp & Chat
During Alumni Weekend, Chirp & Chat brought together 58 students and 37 alumni (95 attendees) in total, to build meaningful connections and increase the impact of the Sagehen network across industries and backgrounds. Hosted in partnership with the Alumni Board and the Office of Alumni and Family Engagement, this annual event continues to strengthen alumni-student engagement.
Experiential Learning
Pomona College Internship Program
Offered during the summer and academic year, the Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP) enables students to pursue student-sourced internships in traditionally unpaid or low-paid industries. Through hands-on experience and a structured curriculum, the program helps students further their career development while expanding access to meaningful experiential learning opportunities. To help offset the cost of participating in an unpaid or low-paid internship, the CDO offers stipends to select students through PCIP.
Top Industries Funded
114
44
31
27
Total Participants (Summer 25-Spring 26)
Social Impact and Education
Government, Law, and Policy
STEM & Health
“Legal and public sector internships can often be financially difficult to pursue, especially for international students like me who do not have a place to stay in the U.S. over the summer. I appreciate that PCIP allowed me to fully commit myself to the internship without needing to worry as much about financial constraints. The program made it possible for me to pursue an opportunity that aligned closely with my professional interests.”
Smart Start Career Fellows Program
The Smart Start Career Fellows Program supports first-generation, low-income second-year students as they explore career pathways and gain early industry exposure. This year, students participated in a two-day intensive boot camp and Spring Break career treks, gaining valuable insight into career options and strengthening the connection between their liberal arts education and future professional opportunities.
“Perhaps the greatest thing Smart Start gave me was perspective. Every conversation with Pomona alumni reinforced that a Pomona education isn’t simply a pathway to a first job, it’s a lifelong network and a foundation for opportunities that can shape the next fifty years.” Lee Mugweru ’28
Recruiting at Pomona College
Our impact is reflected in the meaningful environments we create, where students build strong relationships with potential employers. Below are a few examples of how we bring students and industry together.
Pomona and CMC Hosted Meet-Ups
Consulting
225
16
Students attended
Employers participated
Featured Employers
Finance and Accounting
121
Students attended
12
Employers Participated
Featured Employers
‘From Pomona to Beli’ Event
In partnership with the Associated Students of Pomona College (ASPC), the CDO hosted a fireside chat with Pomona alum Eliot Frost PO ’13, Co-Founder of Beli, inspiring students through an honest discussion of his career path and entrepreneurial journey.
130
students attended
Now Hiring Pop-Up
The Now Hiring Pop-up event was an opportunity for students to engage in a micro-fair that featured 5-6 employers actively recruiting for part-time, full-time, and internship positions.
Student Employment Fair
A collaborative event with consortium partners, the fair connected Pomona College students with on-campus departments and supervisors.
164
students attended
10
hiring departments
Example of Department Collaborations Included:
Admissions
Associated Students of Pomona College(ASPC)
Athletics
Audio/Visual Event Services (AV47)
Resource Tables: Human Resources, Financial Aid, Payroll, International Student and Scholar Services, and the Career Development Office.
Graduate & Professional School
The impact of the CDO’s personalized graduate school advising extends across the alumni community. The CDO helps students and graduates identify opportunities, strengthen applications, and pursue advanced degrees aligned with their goals. While focused on recent graduates, all Pomona alumni have lifetime access to our resources and support.
Programming Examples
Applying to Graduate School in the UK Information Session
Donuts with the Directors – Graduate Programs Tabling Event featuring Tuck Business Bridge Program at Dartmouth & Tufts University, Gordon Institute
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology – Research Internship Information Session
173
Total graduate & professional school appointments
“The skills I developed at the CDO helped me build meaningful connections with alumni and mentors, both strengthening and confirming my decision to pursue a PhD.
I hope to contribute to the development of new medicines that improve patients’ lives while continuing to mentor and support students, just as others did for me.”
Pre-Law
Students and alumni of Pomona College receive tailored support from the Pre-law Advisor, enhancing their chances of gaining admission to some of the nation’s top law schools.
Programming Examples
Claremont Colleges Law School Fair
Interested in Law? Meet the Claremont Pre-law Advisors! Collaboration with CMC, Pitzer, & Scripps
Yale Law School Information Session
226
Total pre-law appointments
Claremont Colleges Law School Fair
177
Students Attended
50
Law Schools & Resource Exhibitors
Example of Schools in attendance:
Boston University School of Law
Chapman University School of Law
Columbia Law School
Lewis & Clark Law School
Michigan State University College of Law
George Washington School of Law
Tulane Law School
UC Davis
UCLA School of Law
USC Gould School of Law
Vanderbilt Law School
Willamette College of Law
“As the first from my family to attend law school, I found it beneficial to hear firsthand about timelines, expectations, and school preferences regarding application materials.
I am extremely grateful for the resources at the CDO. From my initial pre-law meeting the first-year to my final post-grad meeting, I felt supported at each step along the journey.”
Fellowships & Prestigious Awards
Programming Examples
British & Irish Awards Information Session
Fellowships Presentation to PHYS174
Fulbright Write-ins & Information Sessions
Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy Information Session
249
Total fellowships/ prestigious awards appointments
“The advice I received from my fellowship advisor was incredibly valuable. They challenged me to think more deeply about my goals, provided thoughtful feedback on multiple drafts, and helped me communicate my experiences in a compelling and authentic way.
Just as importantly, their encouragement and confidence in my potential made the process feel more approachable. Their guidance played a key role in helping me submit a stronger application.”
Pomona College Fellowship and Prestigious Award Recipients
Every year, Sagehens apply for and receive competitive grants to fund graduate school, research, service opportunities, and travel abroad. The CDO offers guidance on every part of the process, from finding competitive scholarships and fellowships to developing and submitting applications. We are proud of the impact Sagehens have on the world through these incredible opportunities.
Out of 37 total awardees, 9 awardees are alumni.
14
Fulbright
10
NSF GRFP
2
Critical Language Scholarship
2
Downing
2
Napier Award
2
Goldwater
1
Beinecke Scholarship
1
Churchill
1
Projects for Peace
1
Phi Beta Kappa Into Public Service
1
Truman Scholarship
Programming Appendix
1:1 Coffee Chats with HighPoint Associates
5Cs + Accenture Present: STEM in Consulting!
Alumni Paths: Resilience in Transition – Thriving After a Government Layoff
Beyond the Gates: International Alumni Panel
Brew and Review with the CDO
CDO “Ask Me Anything” with Peer Advisors
CDO Family Weekend Open House
CDO New Student LinkedIn Lab and Headshots with Peer Advisors
CDO Open House 2025
CDO Orientation for New Transfer Students
CDO Welcome Table with Peer Advisors
CDO x Pomona Consulting Group Workshop
CDO’s Smart Start Career Fellows Program Information Sessions
Construct Your Career Narrative as a Transfer Student
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) Workshop
Don’t Wing It, Plan It! Get Career-Ready Before Thanksgiving Break!
Fall 2025 Finance and Accounting Meet-Up with the Claremont Colleges
First Take, New Stakes, Part 1 – Ready, Set, Go: Creating Your First College Resume
First Take, New Stakes, Part 2 – Internship/Job Search Strategies
First Take, New Stakes, Part 3 – Networking to Ensure You ARE Working (In the Future)
Intensive Summer Experience Symposium 2025
International Student Pre-Orientation: Introduction to Career Resources and Services
Intro to the CDO for CS & Math Cohort
Introduction to Handshake: The CDO’s Information Highway
Lunch and Learn: The Role of Education in Policy, Skills and the Workplace
Major Decisions: Finding Your Major and Career Path (*for SOPHOMORES)
Networking at In-Person Events: Prepare for the Finance & Accounting Meet-Up
Networking Practice: Speed Chats with Peer Advisors
On-Campus Student Employment Job Fair 2025
PCIP Fall 2025 Orientation
Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP) Spring ’26 Information Session
Pomona College Internship Program (PCIP) Virtual Information Session
Public Policy Analysis Program Resume and Internship Workshop
Professional Networking Skills Workshop for ALPFA with Peer Advisor
PSS Cohort – First Years – with Professor Chuck Taylor
Ready, Set, Go: Creating Your First College Resume
Recruiter Resume Express: Get Quick Feedback from Enterprise Mobility!
Recruiter Resume Express: Get Quick Feedback from Teach for America!
Resume Review Drop-In: Prepare for the On-Campus Student Employment Fair
STEM Student Research Panel
1:1 Career Chats with Epic
1:1 Career Chats with City Year
1:1 Career Chats with Teach For America
2026 Impact Internship Meet-Up
2026 Spring Consulting Meet-Up
Advisor Access Hour
Alumni in Communications: Telling the Stories
Brew & Review – Drop-Ins with CDO Peer Advisors
Career Power Hour for FIRST YEARS
Career Power Hour for JUNIORS
Career Power Hour for SENIORS
Career Power Hour for SOPHOMORES
CDO Intro and Internship Highlights: Chicago Posse
Chirp & Chat: Student & Alumni Mixer
City Year Tabling
Consulting Meet-Up Resume Drop-Ins
Education & Social Impact Career Week: Summer Experience Panel
From Pomona to Beli: A Fireside Chat with Eliot Frost ’13
From Script to Screen: A Fireside Chat with Don D. Scott (Screenwriter/Producer)
International Student Panel: Navigating the Summer Internship Search
Internship Hunt: Search Strategies
Jesuit Volunteer Corps Tabling
Miami Posse – First Years – Charles Katsiaficas
Now Hiring Pop-Up
PCIP Spring 2026 Orientation
PCIP Summer 2026 Information Session
PCIP Summer 2026 Orientation
PCIP Summer Domestic ’26 Drop-Ins
PCIP Summer International 2026 Information Session
Peace Corps Info Session + Application Workshop
Peace Corps Office Hours
Professionalism and Pastries – Zone 98 RAs and CDO Collab
PSS Cohort – First Years – Chuck Taylor
Psychological Sciences CDO Workshop
Sagehen Interns in Art, Entertainment & Media!
Smart Start Debrief Meeting
Smart Start Prep for the Treks: Exploring, Networking, & Making A Lasting Impression
Spring Snapshot: Headshot Drop-Ins with Peer Advisors (and Boba!)
Teach for America Information Tablings
Wall Street Prep Liberal Arts Boot Camp
Fall Semester Programs
Fulbright Write-In (Part 1): Writing the Fulbright Short Essays
Fulbright Write-In (Part 2): Writing the Statement of Grant Purpose
Spring Semester Programs
British and Irish Awards Info Session
British Awards Info Session (Virtual)
Fellowships Presentation to PHYS174 (Junior Seminar w/lab)
Fulbright Information Sessions
Stanford’s Knight-Hennessy Information Session (Hybrid)
Watson Fellowship Information Sessions
Fall Semester Programs
Applying to Graduate School in the UK
Claremont Colleges Law School Fair
Considering Graduate School? Information Session
Donuts with the Directors – Graduate Programs Table-ing Event!
Drop-ins w/ Tufts Gordon Institute – MS in Innovation & Management
Interested in Law? Meet the Claremont Pre-Law Advisors!
Pomona College and Pre-law!
Yale Law School Information Session
Spring Semester Programs
Business, Public Policy Graduate Programs at CalState Dominguez Hills – Tabling Event
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology – Research Internship Information Session
