College students across the nation are asking themselves if joining a Greek organization could potentially affect their future employability.
Hollywood has shown us many times that fraternities and sororities know how to have a good time. From the Delta Tau Chi brothers in “Animal House” to the recent. In “American Pie” they all had the time of their lives living in the moment. However, movies never show what happened after college. Did they conform to social norms or continue their wild ways. More importantly, did they get jobs. And if not, why not?
According to the research by the Cornell University Office of the Dean of Students, 48 percent of all US senators have been Greek. Of all Fortune 500 companies 30 percent are headed by fraternity or sorority members. However, only 2 percent of the country is affiliated with a fraternity or sorority.
“Sisters who have recently graduated come back to visit and help us along our career path,” Darcy Raymond, of Sigma Delta Tau, an Oswego sorority, said.
“They will help us find contacts in large corporations and give us tips for the interview process that they have already went through. I have heard of sisters being offered internships when they graduate.”
Others don’t see the Greek connection as an asset.
“I never saw it as an issue,” Zeta Beta Tau brother Demetrius Milczakoskyj said. “I don’t plan on including it in my resume.”
Maggie Rivera, student involvement coordinator and Greek life adviser at Oswego State, has heard of Greeks having time management issues, but she has no reports of discrimination in the job market.
“Every semester, especially during rush and pledging, I hear students say that some professors tell them that they are not happy that they are going Greek,” Rivera said.
Ranjit Dighe, advisor to Zeta Chi Zeta fraternity and head of the economics department, explained that he had never heard of any research on fraternity or sorority membership effects on employment, but he was curious to see further data.
“I can imagine that it would depend highly on a person’s individual experiences with Greek organizations,” Dighe said. “Anyone who has met more than a few Greek men or women would know to dispel all the stereotypes of Greek Life that Hollywood has instilled in us.”
He explained that it would be a good thing to put on a resume, but to use it tactfully and not as the focal point of the resume. He concluded by explaining that it is not a factor that most employers will look for, unless they are member of a fraternity or sorority themselves.
There are some objective advantages. Members of Greek are more likely to rack up community service hours and have good networking possibilities from alumni relations.
