When you say “Greek,” most people automatically assume that you are referring to one of the four Greek Councils on campus. Though this assumption is valid, the organizations that make up these councils are not the only Greeks on campus. UM is home to several business fraternities; though they may not get as much coverage as the other Greek orgs, they are worth looking into and even joining.
Joining a professional fraternity may seem unappealing but it has the potential to set you up well in the future. All of the professional Greek organizations on campus have national affiliation and so when you put them on your resume, there will be name recognition. Additionally, these organizations help you learn how to network, develop your personal brand, and learn professional etiquette among other things. These are all skills that you are going to need, regardless of what career you have chosen, if you want to be successful.
Joining a professional business organization also shows the companies that you hope to work for or intern with that you are taking the time to invest in your professional development. Unfortunately, many times Greek life tends to be associated with out of control parties and underage drinking. When a future employer sees one of those organizations, though it may make you stand out, they may also wonder if you spent your last four years partying all the time. With professional Greek organizations however, they have a better idea of what you were doing. It also shows leadership potential because those students who are willing to make an investment in themselves and in their future are the ones best suited for leadership roles.
Business or professional Greek fraternities are not all work and no play because learning appropriate social skills is important. There are social elements but they just present themselves differently; instead of themed parties, you may have networking events with chapters from other universities.
Here are some of the professional fraternities that we have on campus:
Alpha Kappa Psi – Beta Pi Chapter
Alpha Kappa Psi also called AKPsi, is the first and largest business fraternity; they were founded in 1904 and established at UM in 1941. President Shalala is an honorary Brother of AKPsi. This is a half professional, half social fraternity and their goal is to be the premier developer of leaders. AKPsi is co-ed and open to students of all majors. In order to join, there is a rush and pledge process.
Beta Alpha Psi – Beta Xi Chapter
Beta Alpha Psi has been on the University of Miami campus since 1961. They are a national honors society and professional organization for students entering the accounting, finance, or information systems field. They provide networking and professional development opportunities for their members while also encouraging a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibilities. They are a co-ed organization, but they seek students studying the above subjects and who have completed certain academic requirements.
Delta Sigma Pi – Beta Omega Chapter
Delta Sigma Pi also referred to as DSP, is a half social, half professional business fraternity whose purpose is to foster the study of business and to promote scholarship. They also seek to create a higher standard of ethics amongst its members in order to improve the welfare of the community. This organization is a co-ed fraternity but they are only open to business students. Also, similarly to AKPsi, there is a rush and pledge process to join this organization.
Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity
Phi Alpha Delta also known as PAD, is a pre-law fraternity that seeks to help its members understand the law school process including LSAT prep and the law school application process. They look to help students find out if law school is the correct fit for them. They are co-ed and open to all majors. There are no special requirements to join.
You don’t have to choose between a social Greek organization and a professional Greek organization, you can do both. These organizations all have events throughout the year where they bring in notable speakers that provide great networking opportunities. Take the time to make the investment and join a professional organization, it will be an asset and provide you with the skills that you will need for the rest of your life.
words_taylor duckett. photos_courtesy of AKPsi, BAPsi, DSP, and PAD.