I'm heading towards my uni days and since Kappa Sigma is going to be on campus including all the advertising they already post in advance on various online platforms for students, I was wondering if it's worth the money to join a fraternity. The tradition of frats on campus isn't very huge in Europe or Germany in particular, so I don't really have an idea what benefits I might miss or how joining a famous one like Kappa Sigma might have an impact on my environment. I certainly don't want to be part of an elitist group of spoiled hipsters, and since I'm not "rich" I don't think I could anyway. Has anyone on this board been a Kappa Sigma member and can tell me about the pros and cons of a membership? How much does it cost in total (I bet there are many hidden costs, like for events, parties etc) and what do I get for it? A membership already costs 480$ a year from what I've understood, that's not cheap.
Well if American movies are anything to go by you'll be pissed out of your head most of the time. Live with sexy women, 3 of which you sleep with, own an American muscle car and look about 10 years older than you actually are. Oh, and have a body built like a brick shit house! In other words, look like Arnie. And finally be an obnoxious prick. Or that's how I find a lot of the students in American movies. I could be wrong though :nod: Yakumo
Fraternities can be of use for networking, many of the larger/older fraternities are kind of tied to an industry so joining one appropriate for your future job can already help you get your foot in the door by being a place to network, as well as establishing a common experience with others in the industry.
Don't know about Canada, but frat guys in the US are jerks. EDIT: I should qualify by saying I'm sure there are exceptions. That's just the general feeling.
If it is a respected, University-recognized frat, then it could help you greatly. My university was full of unsanctioned ones that were just around for parties though.
If you're not going to live in the us or canada: pointless. As mentionned, the only good part of it is the networking when you'll try to find a job.
It largely depends on the fraternity and how well the local one is run. Nationally, a fraternity can be a good choice, but locally it might be in poor repute. As mentioned, it can be a great way to network and meet people. Some offer mentoring of their members, which might help you establish yourself in the area and might also help you in your studies. Make sure to investigate what you're getting into first, and check out their reputation at the university. Also, avoid ones that have outlandish pledge requirements or that you don't feel a good connection with. Are they people you wish you could be like? How do they support their members? What events do they participate in? You can get by without joining one, but some universities this can hamper your opportunities. Also consider the experience you might gain from joining a fraternity and becoming active as a leader. This can look great on your resume and can help you learn skills that will be useful in your future career. People will ask in an interview about your fraternity involvement. It might not be a deal breaker, and is less important as you move up the ladder, but straight out of university they will be curious as to what you did outside of your educational commitment. Lastly, if cost is an issue and it is non-negotiable - don't join. Don't suffer hardships to be in a fraternity. It should be something you benefit from, not a penalty. The right fraternity will welcome you, help you grow and make you want to give back in more than monetary form.
I agree with everything of the above. Well said. Coming from a country where organised student clubs/networks are a pretty big thing (be it in a somewhat different sense, I figure many of the implications are the same nonetheless), I'd say: do it. Even if it is just for the partying. Partying is good, it's what you ought to do when you're a junior in college, not slaving away like an android. :thumbsup:
Thank you Cyantist, that made my day. :lol: As someone who used to manage a University Center (now I'm a Teaching Assistant in Grad school), I hate fraternities and sororities. They're full of nothing but a bunch of self-centered egotistical borderline retarded asshats that don't have a lick of common sense. Could just be my school though. But we're an engineering school with no worthwhile sports team, so in theory we should be full of nerds. But no... frats and sororities were just full of douche bag idiots.
That sounds like someone took it straight from "Rules of Attraction". I'm mainly interested in joining a frat for career opportunities (meeting possible future employers, bonding etc.) and for partying. I definitely wouldn't fit in with 100% sports-obsessed machos and retards like you see them in a typical American college flick. But then again, I've yet so see a higher level educational institution that lacks the mandatory bunch of jerks. I will have a look around on campus to find out if any of the fraternities seem attractive to me, and if I can imagine to be like their members.
I am in one. Best decision I made during college. Check out the rush meetings and see if any of them fit your personality. It is the best way to get involved and meet people on campus, and a once in a lifetime experience. Pros: Unique bond with fraternity brothers that cannot be matched Good looking sorority girls Lots of parties Rituals Networking Living in a beautiful mansion (depending on your school), and having a cook/maid Cons: Somewhat expensive (my dues without social/housing cost $1200 a year) Hazing (depends on your chapter) The networking got me a place on the board of trustees at my school, as well as 3 job opportunities from alumni. I wouldn't join based on the reputation of the national organization, but your school's chapter. Make sure you find who fits best for you. Also, Kappa Sigma is a pretty well known fraternity and apparently one of the oldest. Not sure if it interests you but it was founded by freemasons and the rituals are all similar/identical to the freemason's. Ask me anything else if you have questions!
I was not in one, and had a blast in college. IMHO, they are silly. Your friends are dictated by what fraternity you join, not by who you like (to an extent). They are pricey as well, and of course, there is stigma that comes along w/ being a "frat boy".
