The College of Business Administration brought career preparation to life with its 2026 Business Career Expo, transforming the CBA courtyard and common areas into a hub of opportunity and connection.
Held from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event connected Cal Poly Pomona students and alumni with a wide range of employers recruiting for internships and full-time roles. Students were encouraged to bring multiple copies of their resumes, dress professionally, and approach each conversation with intention. Many also registered through Handshake ahead of time, streamlining their engagement with recruiters and maximizing their time at the event.
The event was sponsored by the CBA Career Hub (CBACH), whose mission extends well beyond a single day. Through hands-on workshops, engagement with top executives from Fortune 500 companies, and leadership development initiatives, CBACH equips students with the tools to translate classroom learning into real-world success.
More than a traditional career fair, the expo created space for direct, personal interaction between candidates and recruiters. Students had the chance to move beyond online applications and introduce themselves face-to-face, while employers engaged with a diverse pool of motivated, career-ready talent.
“I actually was messaging someone on LinkedIn, and they mentioned they were going to be here,” said Sydney Jackson, (MHR ’27). “So, I got to connect with her here and explore additional opportunities.”
For many soon-to-be graduates, the event offered both clarity and confidence. “I’ve been looking for career fairs,” said Catherine, a marketing student, slated to complete her studies this spring. “I was glad to find one here on campus, as I graduate soon and am looking for opportunities like these to learn what companies are looking for, and how I can stand out.”
Employers represented a broad cross-section of industries, including finance, logistics, retail, manufacturing, and public service. Participating organizations included AgWest Farm Credit, Burlington Stores, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Cathay Bank, Cintas Corporation, Consolidated Electrical Distributors, Ontario International Airport, DHL Supply Chain, Royal Industrial Solutions, RBC Bearings, CalOptima Health, E. & J. Gallo Winery, M&T Bank, Leaf Commercial Capital, Modern Woodmen of America, Stream Realty Partners, and Walters Wholesale Electric, among others.
This range allowed students to explore multiple career paths in a single afternoon, ask targeted questions, and gain insight into industry expectations. For employers, the expo provided valuable access to CPP’s talent pipeline, reinforcing the university’s reputation for producing skilled, adaptable graduates. “For students and alumni alike, the CBA Business Career Expo is not simply an event; it is a catalyst for connection and opportunity,” concluded Pia Gupta, associate dean of undergraduate student success for the College of Business Administration.
