Greek Networking?

[KillarneyRose]

This question pertains specifically to the SEC and SEC-type (if that makes any sense?) schools.

Suppose Sally Student is from up North and goes to, say, LSU and joins ABC sorority. When she graduates, she remains in the South.

Would a sorority affiliation be helpful as far as career networking?

I am curious because in the North being a sorority member seems to be seen as something one "did" in college while down in SEC land it seems (and correct me if I'm wrong) like part of what someone "is".

The reason I ask is my husband and I were discussing our older daughter joining a sorority when she goes off to school next year. Her top two choices (subject to change at her whim of course) are SEC schools. Now I am, obviously, pro-sorority because I love mine and would like my daughter to have that same experience. My husband, on the other hand, seems to think joing a sorority or fraternity is frivolous and a waste of time (yeah, and he went to the Naval Academy and I happen to think that marching around with a rifle for hours on end is frivolous and a waste of time).

Would it be a valid argument for me to use that her joining a sorority would actually be a good investment in her future?

BTW, in the end it doesn't matter what he says because I intend to overrule him in all matters greek! I would so love to make him see the advantages of greek life, though!

[HQWest]

Originally Posted by KillarneyRose

This question pertains specifically to the SEC and SEC-type (if that makes any sense?) schools.

Suppose Sally Student is from up North and goes to, say, LSU and joins ABC sorority. When she graduates, she remains in the South.

Would a sorority affiliation be helpful as far as career networking?

I am curious because in the North being a sorority member seems to be seen as something one "did" in college while down in SEC land it seems (and correct me if I'm wrong) like part of what someone "is".

The reason I ask is my husband and I were discussing our older daughter joining a sorority when she goes off to school next year. Her top two choices (subject to change at her whim of course) are SEC schools. Now I am, obviously, pro-sorority because I love mine and would like my daughter to have that same experience. My husband, on the other hand, seems to think joing a sorority or fraternity is frivolous and a waste of time (yeah, and he went to the Naval Academy and I happen to think that marching around with a rifle for hours on end is frivolous and a waste of time).

Would it be a valid argument for me to use that her joining a sorority would actually be a good investment in her future?

BTW, in the end it doesn't matter what he says because I intend to overrule him in all matters greek! I would so love to make him see the advantages of greek life, though!

I would certainly say that being in a sorority would help with networking in the south, but I did see it in California as well. I would encourage women to think about it as an investment in the future, although it might help more in some careers than in others. Just like going to a small upper-crust liberal arts college can help one connect with people that will be the movers and the shakers once they graduate, participating and being active in the NPC at a large state school can be good with making connections, establishing and building a reputation, and proving oneself. I have known several people who got help getting connected to accounting firms or law firms or internships through the sorority. It is also quite common to get help getting started in teaching positions from an older alum from a sorority. It also helps with politics, learning about campaigning or how to set up a campaign.

Another thing to think about is career placement training that is commonly available through sorority activities that others might not have access to or might not take advantage of. Besides an SEC rush being like the ultimate high stress interview, we have etiquette dinners, formal resume review, and occasionally job interview workshops. Leadership or opportunities to work on organization or marketing are excellent resume builders. We regularly have alums that turn up on the interview boards of certain limited awards or organizations.

Finally - ask your husband what a "ring knocker" is? It is not from Harvard alums knocking rings in smoky back rooms to make deals - its West Point and Annapolis alums asserting themselves and making connections out in the business world. (A big fraternity!)

[FSUZeta]

It can be an asset down here in the south. Not only networking within your own sorority, but within the panhellenic realm as well.

[KillarneyRose]

Originally Posted by HQWest

Finally - ask your husband what a "ring knocker" is? It is not from Harvard alums knocking rings in smoky back rooms to make deals - its West Point and Annapolis alums asserting themselves and making connections out in the business world. (A big fraternity!)

HQWest, I can't believe I didn't think of the ring knocker angle!!! That DEFINITELY needs to be addressed with him

And thanks for posting; what you said is really helpful!

[Shellfish]

There are also benefits to sorority networking that aren't professional. For example, if she needs to move to a town where she doesn't know a soul, she could join an alumnae group to meet locals, not just for the social aspects but for advice--for example, about where to live, where to find things, what service providers to choose, etc.

[ChioLu]

While in Atlanta, the young Panhellenic alumnae would host a yearly BABE party ("Bring A Bachelor Event") that was also a fundraiser. You invited a single guy that you thought was a great catch (but might not be a great catch for you) -- a great way to make introductions. Even the young married alumnae would invite guys (like co-workers, relatives or husband's friends), plus bring their own husband.
The 1st year, the charity was the Make A Wish Foundation and we raised enough money (through ticket sales and a silent auction) that we were able to grant a Wish. Our donation had a request that it go to a child who had a parent in a GLO.
It was also a great way to meet/network with other Greek Panhellenic alumnae.

[gee_ess]

Pardon my French, but "Hell yes it helps with networking post college." Greek affilation is very important to traditional southern society (hence the big stress to pledge the "right" house.

Chiolou- I LOVE that BABE party idea! What fun. I love that you bring a great guy for someone else to meet!

[honeychile]

KR, it does work north of the MD line, probably not to the extent as in SEC Land, but it's part of the culture.

When I worked on the Advance Team, I was often paired up with another sorority woman (a DZ, in fact!). The person who set the teams knew we'd know how to work together to get ANY previously traditionally male job done! Did I mention that she was in a sorority, too?

[ADPiEE]

Wow that sounds just like MY military husband!! I keep telling him that there are so many life skills that I learned in my sorority that helped me as much (if not more) than my college classes. Like you, I will override in all things Greek for my kids :-)

[ForeverRoses]

Originally Posted by Shellfish

There are also benefits to sorority networking that aren't professional. For example, if she needs to move to a town where she doesn't know a soul, she could join an alumnae group to meet locals, not just for the social aspects but for advice--for example, about where to live, where to find things, what service providers to choose, etc.

Agree.

As a midwesterner, I have friends that I made through the alumnae group, plus others I made by serving as an advisor. Ant then are the aquaintances I had that I later found out were fellow AOIIs and have now become close friends.

[TPARose]

While this doesn't specifically address your question, I think that my experience in a sorority helped my gain my first real internship, which in turn helped my resume and paved the way to graduate school (not to mention the experiences that I encountered while working the internship).

My first internship was with Senator Cardin (then Congressman Cardin). He was a Pi Lam at Pitt and during my interview, we talked a little bit about Greek life, and Pitt in general. Now, I can't guarantee that this was what got me the internship, but I'm guessing it definitely made me stand out.

I definitely agree with what has been earlier stated about the whole Academy being a Fraternity.. but could you imagine a Fraternity treating their new members the way that Plebes are treated? Ha!