CDO Virtual Support FAQs

Is the CDO open?

Yes! The CDO remains open and is supporting students virtually during regular operating hours (M-F 8am to 5pm). Sagehens can still login to Handshake to make an appointment, attend an online event/workshop, search for job/internship opportunities, or browse the resource directory.

I’m not sure how to get started, what should I do?

You may come to a Drop-in to talk to our staff about getting started with career exploration or Handshake. You can also peruse our website for information.

I’m taking a leave of absence. Will I have access to Handshake and recruiting events?

Previously enrolled students that are taking a voluntary Leave of Absence leave can continue to have access to all of the resources within Handshake. You will need to contact the CDO to have your account reactivated. Once reactivated, you will be able to make appointments, attend events, use online resources and subscriptions, and participate in recruiting opportunities.

I’m having issues logging into Handshake, what do I do?

You may contact Alicia Diaz at alicia.diaz@pomona.edu for assistance with logging on issues.

Will there be on-campus jobs?

Yes. All on-campus jobs will be remote for the Fall 2020 semester. These positions live and are posted on Handshake. You can find them via Handshake.

Who can secure a remote campus job?

We recognize the important role that campus employment plays in providing resources for students to cover their expenses and gain skills for future employment. Thus, the College is committed to making sure that as many full-time Pomona students as possible are able to secure remote campus employment with priority given to those receiving financial aid. Towards that end, and building on the model used this summer, we are limiting students to one stipend-based job or multiple hourly jobs to achieve a maximum of 12 hours of remote employment per week. Students may have noticed that their student employment allotments were reduced as a result of the College replacing a portion of the fall student employment allotment with grant for books and in some cases, for personal expenses as well. Students receiving fellowships, research grants or other kinds of work-based stipends will not be eligible for student employment. Part-time students are also not eligible for student employment. Students are also not eligible to volunteer in unpaid research. Lastly, students are also not eligible to work on campus or come to campus for their student jobs.

Im an international student, can I apply for a remote campus job?

Continuing international students on F-1 status who were enrolled at Pomona College for the spring 2020 semester and will be enrolling full time for fall 2020 will continue to have active SEVIS records/F-1 status and therefore remain eligible to work remotely for Pomona or any of the other Claremont Colleges. They can do so from within the U.S. or from other countries as long as they already have or are able to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

No student may begin work until authorized to do so by Human Resources.
Keep in mind that per U.S. federal regulations employment when school is in session continues to be limited to 20 hours per week. However, Pomona has made a policy decision for this fall semester that students may only work remotely 12 hours per week.

For newly enrolling international students:
At this time, based on guidance from the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), new international students enrolling for the first time at Pomona for the fall 2020 semester are not eligible for F-1 status and therefore will not be able to eligible to work at Pomona.
New students will gain F-1 status and be able to work on campus when they attend their first in-person semester at Pomona College.

If you have any questions about your eligibility, please contact the International Student Advisor, Caroline De la Rosa Bustamante.

Will I be able to "drop-in" for a quick question?

Yes, we will have drop-in times available this semester. Please check the Sneak Peek of the Week for Drop-in hours and where to obtain the link.

How Do I sign up for an appointment?

It's easy to get started! To Schedule an appointment via Handshake, look for the "career center" link at the top right and then follow the link for appointments to get started.

I have questions about the pre-health and pre-law track. Is there someone that I should speak to for guidance?

Yes, we have staff members ready to help you with questions regarding pre-health or pre-law tracks. You can easily make an appointment by selecting either of those topics from the appointment types in

Where can I find out about CDO events/activities?

Stay up to date on CDO services or programs via Handshake or at the CDO website. Additionally, the CDO emails out the Sneak Peek of the Week newsletter at the beginning of every week which highlights upcoming events, resources, and opportunities available. You can also stay abreast through our social media pages: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Will there still be recruiting events & info sessions during the Fall?

Yes, some are already starting. You can log in to Handshake to see all of the events hosted by the CDO, recruiters, and also other colleges in the consortium.

Are there still jobs & internships available?

Yes. Employers are still hiring. We have seen an increase in the number of employers offering remote positions for jobs and internships – log into Handshake and click on the “Jobs” tab on the left side of the dashboard. There, you will find postings for both jobs and internships. You can get started at Handshake. The CDO staff is also here to help you navigate the process by scheduling an appointment.

Are international students on F-1 status eligible to engage in off-campus internships of employment?

International students with an active SEVIS record/F-1 status may continue to engage in paid or unpaid off campus internships only when authorized for Curricular Practical Training.

Eligibility requirements and authorization process for CPT are available on the International Student Services website.

Can I still sign up for PCIP this Fall?

Yes! Pomona College students who are enrolled full-time for Fall 2020 may apply for PCIP. In light of the ongoing pandemic, the CDO will continue to *only* accept REMOTE opportunities that are SECURED at the time you apply for PCIP. The PCIP application is open and will close on September 4^th. You can find more information about PCIP on the CDO website.

When should I be looking out for recruiting if I am interested in Consulting?

Recruiting happens late summer and early fall. Here are some tips to get started:

It is highly recommended that you attend info sessions for firms: Deloitte, Accenture, Bain, BCG, McKinsey, Analysis Group, among others. Check Handshake for dates and times for virtual events. McKinsey, for example, has been hosting online sessions all summer.

Also recommended, login to Handshake and click on the Employer tab. Be sure to follow each employer of interest and you will get update for events as well as job and internship postings.

Be sure to check out the Vault guides for consulting including firm profiles as well as resume and case interview guides. For access, click on Career Center in Handshake and click Resources to find the Vault library which is free to Pomona students.

Review the CDO Sneak Peek of the Week newsletter for postings and event announcements.

Lastly, follow the CDO on Instagram for event reminders as well.

If you are on a leave of absence, please note that it is possible that you might not qualify for summer 2021 internships or full time hires for May 2021. Typically for internships, employers recruit in the fall and require that you are fully enrolled when you apply. For full time jobs, if a leave of absence affects your graduation date that may disqualify you from some positions that have an anticipated start date of June 2021.

When should I be looking out for recruiting if I am interested in Finance?