Helping A Sister Out: 5 Ways Sorority Girls Can Use Their Connections To Network

I have a t-shirt that says "Zeta: It’s not 4 years, it’s 4 life." I rushed Zeta Tau Alpha my freshman year at James Madison University and immediately knew it was the best decision for me.

While I miss weekly chapter meetings, fun date parties and organizing philanthropy events, that doesn’t mean I’ve ditched my letters for good. In fact, as I sit here typing this, I’m wearing one of my many sorority tees (Is it #tbt yet?) and booking my flight to the Bahamas for my big’s bachelorette weekend.

I’ve been out of college for two years now, and last week I just got my Facebook invite to a sorority reunion at my school. First of all, that makes me feel old.

Second of all, I get a slight case of FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) when I see photos pop up in my news feed of recruitment… but then when I can barely recognize anyone, I go back to feeling old.

If you are feeling separation anxiety from your sorority as a post-grad, you’re not alone. I may have graduated from college, but I haven’t graduated from Zeta. Here are ways you can incorporate your letters into everyday life and use your sorority status as a networking tool.

1. Join an alumnae chapter.

Check your area because, chances are, you’ve got a lot more neighbor-sisters than you think. Some will be recent post-grads, like you, whom you can befriend and with whom you can go out on the weekends; however, some will be a little older, wiser and, hopefully, very successful.

If you end up attending a meeting or joining the chapter, most definitely have a résumé and business cards stashed away in your bag so you can whip them out as soon as you do the secret handshake with the CEO of ______. (Go ahead, fill it in, it’s fun to daydream.)

2. Work as a chapter adviser.

If your town is home to colleges and universities, you may become a chapter adviser. Remember how cool yours was? This will also give you some ability to travel and meet others in this position. It’s always good to meet other people in different cities, and who knows what opportunity could come your way!

3. Put your sorority on your résumé.

I know this is somewhat of a controversial concept. In my opinion, nine times out of 10, this is a good idea. I cannot tell you how many job interviews I went on and the interviewer would make mention of my sorority life.

The interviewer was either in the same sorority that I was, had a friend or sibling in my sorority or was in a different sorority. My point is that we shared that bond and that is something that gives you a leg-up when compared to other candidates.

4. Keep Up With Social Media.

I know, I know, people are telling you to unplug, but take a look at your social media accounts every once in a while.

My pledge class has an active Facebook group and sisters are always posting about job opportunities at their companies. It’s a great way to stay connected with your sisters and to find your "in" at a company -- or just to hear about open positions firsthand.

5. Wear your sorority garb out in public.

Wearing it to work is probably not the best idea, but wearing a sorority t-shirt to the gym is a great conversation starter. Giving people something to identify with before even speaking to you is always a good way to make friends and network. Who knows, the girl on the treadmill next to you could be your sister and you may never know it!

All this talk of nostalgia and I’m ready to get up and start chanting “Z-Z-Z-With an E"… Okay, I’ll stop… think that would work in an interview? I’ll let you try first!

Photo Courtesy: Tumblr