Why My Greek Life Experience Is On My Resume (and Why It’s Staying There).

Author: Lisl Knizner

The dreaded resume. I know, I know. We all have to have one and the subject is talked to DEATH. However, having the perfect one is the quintessential post-college accessory (besides the dream job that is).

So what do you do if your job experiences are a little less than stellar? You improvise!  Of course we all want to be able to say we worked and got paid at several jobs before applying for something in the “real world”. It makes it look like you have your act together and are at the least, employable. However, a lot of people find themselves in a predicament. What do you do if you’ve never had a job?

I didn’t have to work in high school for extra money and made it through college with only having to do one semester long internship. You might say I’m lucky I didn’t have to work to put myself through school or to have some spending money and on the one hand I am. That being said I still found myself struggling to come up with things to fill the “Work History” portion of my resume. That’s when it occurred to me. I might not have worked at the mall or at the local movie theater, but I had a lot of experience behind me – my sorority experience.

Over my years of being an active member at my university, I not only participated in the fun aspects of Greek life like socials, Greek week, and sisterhood events, but I also took the initiative and got involved in leadership positions from the get go. Being a leader in your organization and in your campus community can give you life skills and teach you just as much if not more than a part time job would.

When an employer looks at my resume they will see I was a member of my organization, yes. More importantly though they will see that I was a leader. They will see that I ran for positions and got them. They will see that I have experience with public speaking, critical thinking, and facilitating large groups to name a few. They will see I’m not content to sit back and be complacent. They will see that I am dedicated.

Now to add a disclaimer: Wording is key and no employer will think its an accomplishment that you were the “Sunshine and Spirit” Chair for example.“Is this girl serious?” But if you explain yourself and promote your positions in the best and most professional way possible, your experiences can be right at home next to your academic accomplishments, no problem.

So yes, I am a “sorority girl” or as I like to say I’m a proud Panhellenic woman and that fact isn’t anything to be kept secret, especially on my resume.