Being Greek can be one of the most time-consuming activities that college students can involve themselves in. But it can also be the most rewarding. To those who put their heart and soul into their chapter, they can find themselves wrapped up in multiple committees, leadership positions and events. Luckily, many skills you learn from your time in a sorority or fraternity can be transposed into the workplace, such as time management, public speaking and organization, and employers are aware of that. Therefore, is it acceptable to put Greek life on your résumé when applying for jobs, internships, scholarships or graduate school? One involved and scholarship-minded student thinks so.
Macey Colbert, a junior political science major from Sayre, OK, has kept herself busy not only in her sorority but also a wide range of on-campus activities. Three honors societies, Phi Alpha Delta pre-law club, multiple philanthropy committees and Diamond Dolls just scratch the surface of what this dedicated and determined 4.0 student has accomplished in her time at Oklahoma State. Upon completion of her undergraduate degree, Colbert plans on attending law school.
With so much to fit on a résumé, Colbert still finds a way to squeeze in her sorority involvement. She has served as the Vice President of Academic Excellence of her sorority and been on the matching committee for recruitment. To top it all off, she was recently elected by her chapter as president for the upcoming year.
“I’m always sure to include Greek life on my résumé, since it is a big part of my life and involvement,” Colbert said. “But I always put ‘National Panhellenic Sorority’ when listing my leadership positions instead of the chapter.”
This is to keep the employers from seeing a potential bias on your résumé, based on your Greek affiliation. It is recommended that you do not include which particular house you are a member of on paper. However, if you are asked in an interview which house you are associated with, feel free to answer.
One of the pillars of Greek life is philanthropy, which is also important to include on your résumé. “I usually just list the philanthropies which the events are benefitting if I’m using them for community service, since most Greeks attend multiple philanthropies,” Colbert said.
A résumé should include many different aspects of your life, from academic information to Greek and non-Greek activities. Remember the importance of being a well-rounded student, yet never tackling more than you can handle.
