Fraternities are a big part of student life at UCLA, providing social connections, networking opportunities, and a sense of community.
There are many different types of UCLA fraternities, from social to professional. This article will focus primarily on professional fraternities, as information on these organizations is more readily available.
Being part of a fraternity can be rewarding, but balancing academics, a social life, and fraternity commitments can be a challenge.
What are professional fraternities?
Professional fraternities are organizations focused on supporting members’ career development through resources and support. They help students build resumes, prep for interviews, and connect with industry professionals and alumni. The goal is to create a community for students with similar academic or career interests.
Here are a few examples of professional fraternities at UCLA:
- Delta Epsilon Mu (Pre-Health): Helps members with resume writing and offers research opportunities.
- Alpha Kappa Psi (Business): Provides guidance on website creation and portfolio development.
The Rush Process and Pledge Period
If you’re considering joining a fraternity, here are a few things to keep in mind about the rush process and the pledge period.
Demanding Rush Process
The rush process can take up a lot of your time, and the final interviews can be intense, with challenging and sometimes unexpected questions.
Pledge Period Challenges
Being a pledge can really cut into your social life. Also, it’s worth noting that some fraternities have faced allegations of hazing, so be sure to do your homework and research the values and practices of any fraternity you’re thinking of joining.
Benefits and Drawbacks: A Balanced Perspective
Joining a fraternity can be a great way to enhance your resume, practice your interview skills, and build a professional network. It also offers a sense of community, opportunities to form close friendships, and access to mentorship from older members.
However, it’s important to be aware of the potential downsides. Fraternity responsibilities can be time-consuming and difficult to balance with academics, and the dues and other expenses can add up. Also, some fraternities may engage in hazing or other harmful behaviors.
Final Thoughts
Joining a fraternity at UCLA can be a great way to build your career network and social life. But fraternities also require a significant time commitment and can come with risks.
Before you join a fraternity, do your homework. Check out the values, culture, and practices of each chapter. Joining a fraternity is an important decision, so make sure you find a community that fits your goals and values.