Salom studied at the Buenaventura Corrales School from 1958 to 1964 and later at Saint Francis High School from 1965 to 1969. He graduated with a Bachelor"s in political science and a doctorate in Government and Public Policy from the University of Costa Rica.
He was a deputy with the Citizens" Action Party from 2006 to 2010 and was the former governor of San José. At UCR, he was elected President of the Federation of Students from 1974 to 1975. During this time, he led several student protests.
In 1987, he became an adviser to Javier Solís of the Social Christian Unity Party.
Salom began leading a group of informal Public Affairs Committee meetings, called the "ungroup." Salom, along with María Eugenia Venegas and Ottón Solís encouraged Luis Guillermo Solís to run for President, which he did in 2014. President, Student Government, Saint Francis High School, (1969).
President, Federation of Students, University of Costa Rica, (1974–1975). Founding member and political commissioner, Costa Rican Socialist Party, (1971–1989)
Municipal Governor, San José for People"s United Coalition, (1978–1982).
Campaign Chief, Citizens" Action Party, 2006
Professor, National University of Costa Rica, since 1976
Director, Institute of Work Studies, University of Costa Rica, (1993–1995).
Vice-rector of Student Life, University of Costa Rica (1995–2000). Consultant, United Nations, PRODERE (Población Desplazada, Refugiada y Repatriada), (1991).
Salom"s political career began in his teenage years when he was elected President of the Student Council in 1969. Later, with Isaac Felipe Azofeifa and other left-leaning politicians, Salom helped found the Democratic Force party, which held three deputy seats in the 1990s.
He was elected governor of San José from 1978 to 1982 as a member of People"s United. In 2002, Salom became one of the founding members of Public Affairs Committee. Founding member and political board member of People"s United Coalition (1977–1990). Founding member of Democratic Force.
