Greek Networking?

[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!)