Being in a fraternity or sorority comes with a lot of perks--life-long brothers and sisters, a home away from home, and the ability to be part of something much bigger than yourself. However, Greek members are gifted with much more than this and it is these attributes that allow Greek members to often succeed over their non-Greek counterparts.
Academics
It’s no wonder that Greek members have higher GPA’s than non-Greek students. According to the North American Interfraternity Conference, 117 out of the 227 campuses that participated in the study reported that All Fraternity Average GPA’s exceeded their campuses All Male Average GPA for the 2013 academic year. An emphasis on academics is established early on, as many Greek organizations have GPA requirements that must be met for membership or for scholarship opportunities. Time management workshops as well as programs to enhance one’s study skills are also offered. Being in a sorority or fraternity also provides members with opportunities to mentor or be mentored by other members, which leads to better study habits and academic improvement in those advised.
Leadership Opportunities
Fraternity and sorority members are provided with numerous leadership opportunities that help prepare them to be leaders in every aspect of their lives, including their future careers. Fraternity and sorority chapters are managed by elected chapter members, providing members with basic leadership skills. Leadership conferences help to enhance these learned leadership skills and heading the Greek governing councils is another way in which members can exhibit leadership. Not to mention, all but three U.S. presidents have been fraternity members since 1825 and as of 2012, 85% of Fortune 500 executives were Greek members according to USA Today, showing the correlation between Greek life and leadership.
Community Service
A major aspect of Greek life is community service. Participating in philanthropic activities and raising sizable amounts of money for national charities shows members the importance of giving back to the community. Such events can strengthen bonds with the community and with fellow Greek members. Community service can teach members valuable skills like problem solving, task management, and project planning. Volunteering for organizations that suit a member’s career path can also prove to be a valuable experience. Volunteering can also have a psychological effect on members. A 2011 study conducted by Stephen G. Post, PhD. found that people who participate in community service lead more happy and healthy lives than those who do not volunteer, and happy people more than often exceed in the workplace.
Networking
Being part of a fraternity or sorority gives members the opportunity to connect not only with people in their chapter, but also with members of others chapters and members who attend different schools. Networking creates an environment where members can foster relationships with one another. This allows for the exchange of ideas and an increase in knowledge. Members not only learn how to develop their skills, but they learn how to support one another. Having such connections can also help members land their dream job, especially if the interviewer or the head of the company is in the same fraternity or sorority.
Commitment
As part of membership, many organizations require Greeks to make a certain number of chapter meetings, rush events, and philanthropy events. Each of these events, as well as being part of Greek governing councils and other leadership positions, requires a time commitment. By making a commitment and following through with that commitment, Greeks will not only be perceived as reliable, but dedicated as well―traits that are very valuable in a working environment. Greeks also make an even bigger commitment which is the commitment to their fraternity or sorority. By joining a fraternity or sorority, members commit to the ideals and values of that particular organization as well as to the brothers and sisters within that organization. A life-long commitment such as this shows members how to stay committed, which is a trait that almost anyone can appreciate, including future employers.
Tradition
One of the many values of various Greek organizations is tradition. As organizations that have endured their fair share of history and have been culturally influenced, tradition is a steadfast value that provides a template for future success and pays homage to past generations. Tradition sets expectations for members to continue the successes of those in the past and to pave the way for future members' success. Tradition acknowledges the hard work, struggles, and successes of past generations as a source of guidance and comfort for future generations. Tradition is also important when it comes to parenting future Greek members by indoctrinating values into future members. Each organization has its own traditions that are personal and unique and it is this commitment to tradition that makes Greeks an asset to future employers.
Teamwork
Being part of a brotherhood or sisterhood requires teamwork and members often rely on and support one another. Knowing how to work with others and work in a team environment is an invaluable asset to employers. Not to mention, Greek members are very self-aware due to their being part of a team. Greek members are constantly aware of their actions and how what they say or do can affect their organization and the reputation of their organization. This self-censorship can help members thrive in an office environment.
Confidence
Greek members have thriving social lives due to their campus and community involvement, formals, and the like. Effective communication and networking skills are skills needed to succeed in any job field, and being in a Greek organization gives you the confidence to do so. In fact, according to a study conducted by Gallup and a Purdue University survey of its recent graduates found that Greek members were more likely to succeed in their careers and personal well-being than non-Greek members. Being a member of a fraternity or sorority can also contribute to one’s self-identity and when someone is more self-assured, they have more self-confidence.
