How Being in a Sorority Helped My Professional Life

1. Don’t form cliques: Just because you made your three best work friends, doesn’t mean everyone else at the company has nothing to offer. Reach out to everyone you meet, even if they don’t become your best friend they can teach you something new. It was constantly reminded to us at our chapter that we should spend time engaging with members we didn’t know well.
2. Learn how to carry a conversation: there have been many networking events where I am so happy that I have the skills to carry on a conversation. Especially when the person I am chatting with is shy, boring, or uninterested. I think I speak for all sorority members in saying “I could talk to a wall if I had to.” This skill helps me avoid some potentially awkward situations at work or professional events when the other person isn’t contributing to the conversation.  
3. Sell yourself: This skill is almost forced upon you as you race through 30 repetitive interviews in one week during recruitment. You’re hungry, tired, and hot but you have to push through and sell yourself anyway. The following year you are on the flip side, selling your chapter (or company) as you try to recruit new members (employees). This process is very similar to career fairs and I see the opposite side now as I recruit graduates for my company.
4. Hold yourself accountable: One of the most admirable traits a person can have is the ability to admit they made a mistake. If you make a mistake, be honest and ask for help. If you try to brush it under the rug the problem will grow in severity. The best thing you can do is be open about it and try to repair the damage.
5. Do more than just “show up”: It is said time and time again, that you get out of a sorority (or a job) what you put into it. If you just show up to chapter and a few events, you may not have the best experience possible. If you join committees, volunteer, and apply for leadership positions you will not only develop yourself but will enhance your experience and make an impact on those around you. The same applies to your career. Sign up to take on tasks outside your job description, volunteer at events with colleagues, engage with people when you are talking to them. It will improve your work experience and career development.
6. And most importantly… don’t dance on tables: This applies both literally and figuratively. There are many work events where alcohol will be available and it’s important to limit your consumption so that you don’t do/say anything you might regret. You have to work with these people and you want them to respect you. Have a little fun, but please, don’t dance on tables.