Technology and Operations Management

Interview with Liana Ip

Liana Ip. Cal Poly Pomona Staff Spotlight

December 2022

My name is Liana Ip. I currently serve as an Administrative Support Coordinator for the Technology and Operations Management Department (TOM) at CPP. I have a bachelor’s degree in Media Studies and plan to pursue graduate school soon. I also volunteer at a non-profit education center in my spare time. As a higher education professional, I hope to provide students with as much support as I can, so that they may have agency in their own education experience and career. 

The TOM/EBZ department acts as a general resource for students majoring in Technology and Operations Management or E-Business. If those students have a question, they will come to our department and be referred out if necessary. We also process requests for permission numbers to deal with enrollment issues, review internship course credit requests, and troubleshoot issues students may have with enrolling into their TOM/EBZ classes. Our department will also forward job/internship opportunities sent to us by our wide network, and promote events arranged by our two clubs, Operations Management Society (OMS) and Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

What are the most common questions students come to your department for?

  • What do I do if my transcripts have not transferred yet and I need to enroll in a class that requires a prerequisite that I have completed?

Students can find instructions to receive a permission number at the following link under Prerequisite Permission Numbers: LINK. The department requires information such as their name, Bronco ID number, unofficial transcripts, and the course section they are trying to enroll in to be able to efficiently help the student. In some cases, additional documents may be requested for review for approval. Students may also request status updates of their transcripts being posted in the system with the Registrar's office. 

  • Who can I talk to for career advice?

You can speak with any faculty advisor or the department chair. Their office hours are listed on the department website and can be found here: LINK

  • Can I receive course credit for an internship?

It is possible to receive approval for paid internships to count towards the TOM/EBZ Major. If you are interested, make sure the internship is a paid opportunity and follow the instructions on our website or see below:

  1. If you are interested in internship course credit, you must first secure a paid internship. 
  2. Then you must fill out the forms found on the department site. 
  3. Complete the pages of the internshipform titled; form 1, form 2, and form 3.
  4. Attach a copy of the internshipjob description.
  5. Submit the completed forms and the internshipdescription to the Department Chair and department ASC for approval. 
  6. Once reviewed and you receive the approval for the internship, you will receive a permission number to enroll in either TOM 4410 or EBZ 4410, depending on your declared option.
  7. To complete the course, turn in form 4 of the application, along with the required final report to the course instructor on the assigned due date.

Please note that Form 3 must be filled out by the internship supervisor and that you will only receive a permission number to enroll in the internship course after receiving approval.

  • Where do I look for jobs?

We recommend utilizing the career center as a resource, LinkedIn, HandShake, and checking the websites of companies you are interested in. The department will also send out emails as well as post on our LinkedIn about open positions from our industry partners or recruiters throughout the year, so check your emails and follow our LinkedIn account! Jobs and Internship opportunities will also occasionally be posted and updated on our website: LINK. 

  • How do I change my major to TOM or EBZ?

The change of major process and form can be found on our website at the top of the page: LINK. Once you submit the form by selecting the Business Administration Major and Operations Management/E-Business Option, the department will process it. With change of majors, the department suggests students to reach out to the CBA Student Success Center so that you may make a course plan. We also recommend students to find more information about our department, activities, student clubs, projects, and graduation program on our department website: LINK. 

  • How do I minor in TOM or EBZ? 

Under our department, you can minor in Logistics or Operations Management. Refer to the university catalog for more information about minor course requirements. And if necessary, contact a CBA Student Success Center Advisor to create an educational plan to complete the minor.  To declare, students should initiate the minor declaration process by submitting the e-form at the following LINK. It is also highly recommended that students who would like to declare the minor to begin taking the course requirements. It is not suggested by CBA Student Success to wait until you have completed all the courses to declare the minor.

December 2022

I learned a few things during my time in university and it is:

Always take a chance or take risks.

Never be afraid to ask questions because people in higher education and most working professionals aim to build students up.

Do not procrastinate!

There’s always more than one way to do something.  

Read your emails as you never know when there’s a great opportunity from the university or your department.