If you’re like me, you entered college with your only impression of Greek life being what you saw in movies like "Animal House" and "OId School" -- just a bunch of jerks living in a house together, drinking more than they breathe. After coming to college, I found out it doesn’t have to be like that. I was introduced to a concept that was entirely foreign to me -- professional fraternities. They're the best of both worlds and I can honestly say joining one was the best decision I've made since entering college. Here are a few reasons why you should join one.
1. Professional development.
There is truly no better place to go for professional development than your fraternity. You’ll be surrounded by people in your field who know exactly what you’re going through. Many campus career centers don’t understand the nuances of the exact field you’re in and/or they're out of touch with the students. You will be mentored by students who are just two or three years from being in your shoes. Whether it's mock interviews, resume critiques or just helping you pick your classes, your fraternity will be your best asset when it comes to kicking off your job search.
2. Networking.
Your fraternity isn't only filled with fellow students in your field, but an extensive list of alumni. Any firm or company you could possibly want to work for probably has a member of your fraternity currently working there. Whether it’s someone from your school or someone from the other side of the country, your fraternity will provide you will valuable resources that could possible land you your dream job.
3. Meeting people.
Especially for freshmen, this is the best way to meet new people with similar interests to you. These are the people you will be going to class, stressing over projects and cramming for exams with, so this is a great time to introduce yourself. It's also a way to meet people you probably wouldn't have met otherwise. You will be exposed to people of various cultures and backgrounds, helping you to become a more diverse, well-rounded and openminded person.
4. Brotherhood.
Lastly, and most importantly, is brotherhood. Before joining a fraternity, I always dismissed the significance of brotherhood, thinking it was just something said to get new pledges. This isn't the case. It's unbelievable how quickly you bond with the people in your fraternity. These will become your best friends, and family, in college and most will develop into lifelong friendships.
Being active in college is incredibly important and joining a professional fraternity has been the absolute best use of my time. It's the perfect mix of social activities and professional development. I'll never forget the amazing time I've had. I strongly encourage you to check one out and if even if it's not for you, the meetings usually have free pizza.
