Greek Life to Real Life, Pledging Your Way to Professional Success

I hear the stereotypes all the time; “so, do you like pay for your friends?” “Do you guys party all of the time?” Obviously my answer to both is “absolutely not!”  Shaking off all of the stereotypes and media depictions aside looking back on my years in being in a sorority, I realized I have learned more than I ever could have imagined. More than I ever thought when I pledged 2 years ago.  Yes of course being in a sorority is fun and exciting, but through all of that, us sorority women learn something along the way. Who knew that my sorority would help me with my future endeavors? Here is a quick list of some ways being in a sorority has prepared me for the real world after college:

    Rushing AKA Interviewing 101

You don’t think about it while you are doing it, but going through recruitment for a sorority is basically going on tons of interviews! You need to shine through all of the other women that this girl is going to talk to today, and show what an amazing of a person you are! Keeping eye contact, actively listening to what she has to say, and being able to keep a conversation flowing, are all aspects of interviewing for a job in the future. If you can’t speak to someone without being able to establish some kind of eye contact, an employer won’t think you are as qualified, skilled or trustworthy!

Chapter Meetings- What to Wear to Work
When you get into the real world, you are going to have to put aside that comfy sweatshirt and jeans when you have to go to work (unless you work for someone that’s cool like Becki!). Having to dress up every week for sorority business meetings, extended my wardrobe to include stylish and professional pieces that I can use at internships and a future job. Since most college students rely on jeans, t-shirts and yoga pants to go to class, having a professional wardrobe already in place is a time saver later on! 

Networking Opportunities

When you join a sorority, you are joining an organization that has thousands of members all across the country. I am a part of my sorority’s LinkedIn group, and I get emails every day with postings of different jobs and opportunities. The best part is that  I get to utilize these opportunities to further my career. Plus, if I ever need helping making a connection or learning about job opportunities in a new city, I know that there is a sister out there that can help me! 

I never knew the benefits I would get out of being in a sorority until I joined one! I will always recommend it to someone, not only because I have made amazing friends, but also I've learned it can help you on your path to becoming a successful career woman!

Written by Lauren Cafarell from Rebecca Adele PR & Events