CBA and SGSB graduate Stephany Soria dedicates over a decade of career service to her alma mater at Cal Poly Pomona
By Mike Landers
“My college experience as a first-generation student was quite tough,” explains Stephany Soria ’13, MBA ’22. “I was away from home for the first time, had so much pressure from my family, and I just felt lost overall in this new world. I doubted myself and was afraid but could not show that to peers or family.”
As a student, Soria found a way to channel her challenges into her motivations by taking charge of her own learning journey to overcome the obstacles that once threatened to derail her life’s goals. “I learned how to embrace the changes I was faced with,” she says. “There were times I felt like giving up, but the constant support from instructors, advisors and peers on campus reassured me that I was close to the finish line.”
Those influences would play a bigger part in her life and ultimately shape her career choice, but of course, seizing the opportunity to pursue the education she needed was the biggest first step and it came with an even greater reward than the degrees and designations could ever provide. In 2013, she earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration, Management and Human Resources from the College of Business Administration.
“The look my parents had when I walked across the stage still makes me emotional today,” recounts Soria. “Receiving my degree was a symbol of their struggle, determination, and hard work as much as it was mine.”
Once on the precipice of giving up her educational dreams due to the challenges of being the first in her family to pursue a college degree, Soria now has multiple degrees under her belt and a rewarding career at Cal Poly Pomona.
We sat down with Soria to learn more about her experiences as a first-gen college graduate, her reasoning for wanting to work for the school she graduated from, and why lifelong learning is a key to success.
What is your current title with Cal Poly Pomona, and what do you do in this current role? I am the Manager of Talent Acquisition and Compensation at Cal Poly Pomona. My role involves overseeing the university's talent acquisition and compensation functions to attract, retain, and develop a diverse and talented workforce that supports Cal Poly Pomona's mission and goals.
How long have you worked in Talent Acquisition? What do you like most about your role here? I have been in talent acquisition for over 10 years, and I love fostering meaningful and enduring connections with individuals. My passion for the university runs deep, and I am dedicated to effectively communicating its values and mission to prospective and current employees.
Tell me a bit about your educational journey. What brought you to Cal Poly Pomona to get your Master’s? What about your other certifications, how did you pursue those? As a first-generation student, earning my bachelor’s degree held immense significance for me, my family, and the Hispanic/Latino community. Following graduation, I felt a strong pull to further my education by pursuing an MBA. Balancing full-time work made the decision to return to school a thoughtful one, but the exceptional faculty and impactful experiences I had as an undergraduate at Cal Poly Pomona made the choice clear. With a profession in HR, obtaining my SHRM-SCP certification became a priority, as it distinguishes me within my field. I dedicated evenings and weekends to studying for the exam after completing my MBA, driven by a commitment to continuous growth and professional excellence.
What brought you back here as a professional? Why did you want to work back at the school you graduated from? I love this question because it speaks to my heart. Returning to this university was driven by a profound belief in my ability to positively impact its community. I am committed to contributing in a meaningful way to the university's overarching purpose: to help those who dream of success achieve it, which applies to both students and employees. My role here transcends the ordinary; it's not just about completing tasks and leaving. I am continuously challenged to grow both personally and professionally, supported by my management team and encouraged to engage in various initiatives. Above all, I wholeheartedly believe in the transformative power of education offered here as it changed my life and that of generations to come. I am confident that our students will emerge as leaders in their respective industries, and being a part of that journey is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring to me.
“Building meaningful connections with employees and supporting students is at the core of what we do. We enjoy the opportunities to interact and help our students, it's living our shared purpose: to help those who dream of success achieve it!” — Stephany Soria, MBA (’22), SHRM-SCP, Manager, Talent Acquisition and Compensation & Classification
How did you engage in hands on learning during your time as a student at Cal Poly? The committed faculty played a pivotal role in facilitating my hands-on learning journey. Through immersive experiences such as going to different locations in Los Angeles with a class, engaging with professionals through assignment interviews, mandatory visits to the learning resource and writing center, participating in mock trials with classmates, and completing an internship as a College of Business requirement—each of these experiences left a profound impact on me. Embracing the "learn by doing" philosophy compelled me to step out of my comfort zone, broadening my perspective and instilling in me the belief in my abilities to reach new heights I hadn't imagined possible.
How did your educational path and family goals impact your education, and how did you navigate your priorities?
As a first-generation student, my family's aspirations for my education have profoundly influenced my path. Balancing their goals with practical challenges required careful planning and seeking support. Their unwavering belief in the power of education has been my motivation to persevere and overcome obstacles. Through resilience and determination, I've navigated priorities to achieve academic success while staying true to our shared values.
What are your top 3 favorite things about The Singelyn Graduate School of Business?
- Faculty — The educators here exemplify genuine care for each student and their educational journey. They are devoted to providing personalized attention, going the extra mile to support, guide, and mentor students, empowering them to achieve remarkable progress. Rather than viewing students as mere numbers, they take a vested interest in their individual growth. This profound commitment to student success distinguishes them, making their impact far-reaching and transformative.
- Curriculum — The curriculum offers a diverse array of learning pathways, encompassing various formats such as group and individual projects, visual aids, lectures, discussions, videos, and articles to name a few. It transcends the traditional approach of simply reading textbooks and taking exams; instead, it fosters creativity, transformation, forward thinking, and practical application.
- Challenges —The coursework and schedule compel you to push your boundaries, expand your capabilities, and fosters personal growth.
What are your top 3 favorite things about Cal Poly Pomona?
- The People — Everyone here is kind and committed to making a difference in what they do.
- The Opportunities — Whether it's joining groups, participating in events, exploring new ventures, or engaging in individual professional development, each opportunity presents a wealth of possibilities for growth and enrichment.
- Hands-on Learning — The “learn by doing” philosophy allows students and employees to gain valuable skills and implement the approach in their learning and/or work.
How has the value of your education here served you as a professional?
My education has been invaluable in shaping my professional journey. The rigorous curriculum, hands-on learning approach, and mentorship from faculty have equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in my field. The practical experiences and diverse opportunities for engagement have helped me develop a well-rounded skill set and expanded my professional network. Overall, the value of my education continues to serve as a solid foundation for my career success.
What advice do you have for other students looking to get a graduate degree?
My advice would be to fully immerse yourself in the experience. Take advantage of the abundant resources, engage with faculty and fellow students, and actively seek out opportunities. Additionally, don't hesitate to ask for support and guidance when needed, whether it's from faculty members, academic advisors, or career services. Finally, embrace the journey with an open mind and a willingness to challenge yourself, knowing that the knowledge and skills gained during your time at Cal Poly Pomona will serve you well in your future endeavors!