Engineering and Greek Life

[deadbear80]

AngieWashU and I were in the same chapter in college (although I was a year behind her), and I think she stated well that while there is a balance between being an engineer and being a sorority woman, it's more than doable. I was not an engineering major, but there were many other women in our chapter besides Angie who were engineering majors who held larger leadership positions. Our director of new members one year was a civil engineer--she definitely made it work for her; still got good grades while not slacking in her leadership role.


I went to law school with a girl who went to Purdue undergrad and was a chemical engineering major and she was president of her chapter. It can be done.

I think it really depends on what you want to do with your college career. There may not be room for much else besides a sorority and your classes, but that goes for just about every major depending on what type of leadership role you take on (if you even choose to take one on--not taking a leadership role is okay too). You just need to find the right balance for yourself.

[Faith4Keep]

Okay, this is my last post on this thread, I swear! I'm just so excited to see so many sorority women who were engineering majors!! When I joined Theta I never thought that I would be able to 'advance my career' or 'network' because... well... a woman in engineering is rare, but one who is also a sorority member? I thought that was pretty far-fetched.

Anyhow, when I went through recruitment, one of those repeated quesitons is "So, what's your major?". When I said engineering, I got one of two responses: 1) The girl got really wide-eyed and nervous, and from that point on it was like it was impossible for us to have anything in common because I was in the sciences. 2) The girl is a little nervous, but pushes on and starts asking questions like "Really? Why did you choose engineering/what do you plan on doing with your degree?". The chapters I recieved option 2 at were eventually the ones I preffed. I think the best way you can help your self in this situation is giving as much information as possible. Instead of just saying "Oh yeah, I'm engineering" which may make you come off as a smarty-pants, you could respond with "I'm an engineering major- I took a real interest in roller coasters/space shuttles/other real-world experience in high school". This will probably lead onto other conversations.

And, on the flip side (which has already been mentioned), you will meet lots of engineering majors, guys and girls, who will resent you being in a sorority. Some will think that you are a straight-up party girl and will not want to study. This is your time to shine, though- show everyone that sorority girls CAN be smart and studious, and this will make a great name for your chapter. Same goes for doubting professors- don't be afraid to wear your letters to class.... just make sure you always get there on time.

Good luck!! I hope you share your recruitment with us on the boards!!

[blondebutsmart]

It has been great hearing so many words of encouragement. It's obvious your association with a sorority has been a positive influence. Faith, don't stop posting if you think of something else you think I should know.

I know it shouldn't bother me, but I was hoping that people in college would be more open minded than in high school. I guess I shouldn't have expected that because even my AP calculus teacher told my mom he thought it would be great for me to get a fresh start in college--no one would know I was a cheerleader. AAGGHHHH!

[ISUKiteFlyer]

Originally Posted by Faith4Keep

Okay, this is my last post on this thread, I swear! I'm just so excited to see so many sorority women who were engineering majors!!

Yay, another Theta engineer! I was so incredibly excited to find this thread, I can't not post!

Originally Posted by Faith4Keep

Anyhow, when I went through recruitment, one of those repeated questions is "So, what's your major?". When I said engineering, I got one of two responses: 1) The girl got really wide-eyed and nervous, and from that point on it was like it was impossible for us to have anything in common because I was in the sciences. 2) The girl is a little nervous, but pushes on and starts asking questions like "Really? Why did you choose engineering/what do you plan on doing with your degree?". The chapters I received option 2 at were eventually the ones I preffed. I think the best way you can help your self in this situation is giving as much information as possible. Instead of just saying "Oh yeah, I'm engineering" which may make you come off as a smarty-pants, you could respond with "I'm an engineering major- I took a real interest in roller coasters/space shuttles/other real-world experience in high school". This will probably lead onto other conversations.

Excellent advice. It's easy for the conversation to continue if you wrap why in... esp. if you're paired with someone who it's their first time recruiting. It'll help her get to know you! (Have I mentioned I'm excited for you?)

Originally Posted by Faith4Keep

Good luck!! I hope you share your recruitment with us on the boards!!

Please do let us know how it goes!

My pledge mom is a Chem E, one of Bigs is a Civ E, and she was president of our chapter when I was initiated. My first semester living in I was in the next room to an ME (and living with Mom) I'm an E. Science alum... currently playing the part of an ME at work. (Our chapter did have a full gamut of majors.) One of the reasons I rushed was because I wanted to be around more women in my campus life which I think has been mentioned... depending on your major or what class you take, you could be one of only a few in your section, or maybe the class will be half women - Materials and Civil used to be that way on my campus when I was there. It depends on the major, and the campus.

I also worked part time. Like many other posters have said, it's all about time management, and knowing what kind of studying a typical course/course load takes to make the grade. You'll get a feel of what works for you.

If you didn't have to study much in HS... see if your school has a course in study skills. At my school it was a 1 credit "attendance" class in the Psych dept (with a ton of sections). It helped me a ton and I wished I had taken it my freshman year. If you figure out what works for you, your study time will be more efficient. Also, the aforementioned study groups are also an excellent help (esp with those lengthy homework solutions).

Good luck and keep us posted! You can do it!