What does it mean to be connected

What “type”. Not top

connected means they're in the machine geed

connected means you have a connection to someone in the fraternity. like a way in

The OP seems to be asking about fraternities being “connected” not membership being for (or limited) to “connected” pledges

I agree the reference is usually meant that some houses pick from a list of “connected” pnms. Guys who know members and especially “top” houses who select from a list of pnms with some type of family “clout” (although that’s used a bit loosely). Yes it can mean membership to similar clubs; a family business, legacy status. Or it can also just be a fun guy from HS or who you know through HS connections.

Generally, as far as houses being connected, I don’t believe they generally do much to add to YOUR network when it comes being hired. Long term your family business may benefit from these connections, but corporate hires arent typically influenced by fraternity membership.

Guys who already have connections obviously don't lose them, but I don’t believe that fraternity membership is going to do much to add to that in comparison to your own accomplishments - grades, activities, etc.