Adams talks career choices, favorite moments, and why she has dedicated herself to guiding students for nearly 25 years
Guiding student success is the life passion of CBA Advising Coordinator, Pam Adams. “Life passion” certainly carries a certain gravitas, but the value of Pam’s service to the College of Business Administration at Cal Poly Pomona is truly beyond words. Currently nearing a quarter-century of student advisement, Adam’s devotion is quite clear, even if her initial pathway seemed foggy. “To be honest, I fell into this career,” says the affable Adams. “I was a returning student at Cal Poly Pomona in 1996, having flunked out as a freshman in 1980. I became a student assistant at the Women’s and Re-Entry Student Center and branched out from there to be a peer advisor with the CIS Department. Before I returned to Cal Poly Pomona, I didn’t know this career existed. I just became an advisor because the students needed me.”
The College of Business Administration and more importantly, our students, have valued Adams’ leadership and care, and her personable, down-to-earth nature and optimistic outlook on life have served as fuel for hundreds of students who have graced the walls of the College of Business Administration. Every commencement is a chance for Adams to see advisees spread their wings and enter the post-graduate phase of career success.
We sat down with this Cal Poly Pomona legend to learn more about her commitment to students and what motivates her to continue her storied service to a program ranked “Best Undergraduate Business Program” by U.S. News & World Report.
Q: Can you give us a brief introduction to yourself and what you do at Cal Poly Pomona?
A: My name is Pam Adams. I have been an advisor in the College of Business Administration since 2000. I am also an alumna of Cal Poly Pomona’s CBA–I majored in Business, Computer Information Systems. I recommend students reach out to me, really, whenever they have questions or need assistance in charting their coursework. Most students see advisors in their first term for us to review their courses and help them create a plan to graduation. Some check in with us every term; some every two or three terms. I have been working with the students since around 2000.
Q: You’ve been here for over two decades advising business students – that's impressive! What inspired you to pursue this career path, and what keeps you motivated after all this time?
A: I didn’t know this career existed initially, but I’m glad I found it. The students keep me motivated —I love watching and assisting them in making discoveries and finding success.
Q: We know every day brings something new, but can you share a memorable moment or story from your years as a student advisor that still makes you smile?
A: So many! Here’s a recent one: I had a military student who, in the middle of his time at 六色网, was called up to serve in Afghanistan. He returned in 2012, having received a traumatic brain injury while serving. He tried to complete his coursework, but due to his health issues, left 六色网 without completing his degree. He called me last Spring, as his health had finally recovered enough to complete his degree. His whole family came from Utah to celebrate at Commencement, and you never saw anyone so happy.
Q: The world of business is always evolving. How do you keep up with these shifts in your advising approach?
A: I just keep swimming! I try to keep up with career trends and see how our students’ degrees can fit the needs of jobs today.
Q: How about with technology? How have you incorporated technology into your advising toolkit to better connect with and support today's tech-savvy business students?
A: Zoom is so huge. Just before the pandemic happened and changed everything, I didn’t believe Zoom advising would work. Now, I see more of my students over Zoom than I do in-person. It’s convenient for the students — they can meet me while at work or home, or anywhere. It’s common to have students call in while sitting in their cars in traffic, too!
Beyond that, we use advising-related technology to follow specific groups of students. I can look at near-graduation seniors or 3rd-term students or any number of student permutations, which allows me to tailor my advising messages to the needs of that particular student group.
Q: It takes a village! How do you collaborate with colleagues and departments across the university to create a supportive environment for business students, and what's been the most rewarding part of these collaborations for you?
A: That’s the advantage of working here for 24 years — I know everyone! I’m always trying to learn more about other campus groups and organizations, whether by serving on committees or meeting people at events. Plus, I’m an alumna, so you can add another few years on to my 24. I’ve experienced a lot of student opportunities as a student, so can speak to that end as well.