Before I came to college, Greek life was never really something I considered. I had heard the stereotypes constantly given to Greeks, and I wasn't entirely sold on the idea. Towards the end of the application period, I decided, Why not? Flash forward a couple months later, and I was a full-blown sorority girl. Crazy, huh? Those stereotypes that had initially made me hesitant to consider Greek life proved untrue. Even more importantly, they seemed to fail to include the honest benefits of being in a sorority or fraternity, especially later on in life.
I know you have heard it all before, how a sorority changed me for the better, helping me in my work life, my social life, my priorities and even in myself. It is true, though. Even more so, they are great in that they prepare you for after college. Here's how.
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1. There are opportunities to obtain positions that properly align with your future goals.
Most sororities and fraternities have a board of execs that hold most of the chapter's responsibility, even if it varies from chapter to chapter. The beauty of running for one of these positions is that you don't have to become president to hold an important role. you can go for a role that aligns with your future goals, something you're passionate about. Finance majors can run for treasurer. Future teachers can deal with academics. Event planners can, well, be vice president of event planning. Advertising majors can work with the marketing and social media aspects of the chapter. Computer science people can run websites. Needless to say, people interested in any political work would work just perfectly as president, vice president, etc. Essentially, the possibilities are limitless. You are boung to find at least something worth sticking on a résumé
2. Networking.
Developing a relationship with alumnae and advisors is an excellent way to get educational and career advice. You are sure to find women that are working in, have worked in or aspire to work in the field you are interested in. You have unlimited access to wonderful references and possible contacts for certain opportunities. You have a massive network of connections that you can refer to for almost any information.
3. Leadership skills.
At some point in your career, you are probably going to have to be a leader. Being in a sorority is the perfect opportunity to accentuate your leadership capabilities. Even if you don't necessarily hold a leadership position, you can help plan events or come up with ideas.
4. Time management skills.
I have always thought of myself as good at time managing. Looking back, however, I never even had a clue of what time management meant until I joined a sorority. You learn to live by a planner in order to keep track of sorority events, personal obligations, school, work, etc. If you can figure out how to juggle a part-time job, classes, weekly chapter meetings, formals, the gym and going to socials every week, all while keeping your GPA up, you can do almost anything. You'll have no problem going to work, managing your career, going to the gym and meeting up with old friends.
5. Communication skills.
It goes without saying that communication skills are heightened when joining a sorority. You become an expert conversationalist. You've gone through the long hours of recruitment on both sides, proving that you can talk your way through anything. It also goes without saying that communication skills are necessary in any career. You'll be glad you are prepared.
6.Event planning.
As I mentioned before, about the leadership involved, you learn how to take control of events. This will adequately prepare you for work events and other ones you may encounter: bachelorette parties, baby showers, etc.
7. You'll be instilled with the idea of giving back.
After hosting several philanthropic events, as well as the attending of others, you'll be more than willing to continue to give back as you move forward in life. You will search for ways to give back, whether it's at work or any other event. This is probably one of the best things about your post-sorority self. You can show your potential employers that you are service-orients and have the drive to help others, whether it benefits you or not. This is something employers look for when going through their applicants.
8. Teamwork.
All of our lives, we have been hearing the importance of teamwork. This is because, no matter what field you find yourself in after college, it is absolutely necessary. Being involved in Greek life could potentially help you work with people you don’t necessarily get along with. Because, let's face it. You can't get along with everyone. This will carry serious weight in your career, because you will be put in situations where you and your co-workers might not necessarily get along.
