An article on the Gallup Blog titled “Fraternity and Sorority Membership Linked to Higher Well-Being for College Grads” contained results of a survey of over 30,000 college graduates in the United States. The survey showed that, of the students questioned, those involved in Greek organizations were more likely to be thriving later in life.

“The 16% of college graduates who were members of Greek organizations are more likely to report being emotionally supported and having experiential and deep learning activities while in college, all of which likely have contributed to their higher work engagement and well-being,” according to the article, which was published on May 27, 2014.

Taylor Watson, Assistant Director for Fraternity and Sorority Life at Tarleton State University, did not seem surprised by this information.

“The students build personal relationships with the faculty and staff that go beyond the four years that they are on campus,” said Watson, in an email correspondence. “Furthermore, through the bonds of fraternity and sorority life, there is an extensive network of relationships built between students and alumni. This relationship helps open doors for students at other campuses and in the business world. Fraternity and sorority life is built upon relationships and we strive to connect with the campus and our community.”

Watson believes that involvement in Greek life better prepares students to face life after college.

“Fraternity and sorority life prepares students in a variety of different ways. It offers students opportunities for involvement, leadership, relationship building and more,” Watson said. “Students can step up in their own chapter and take an active role in creating and running events and collaborating with other organizations… [giving] students the opportunity to cultivate leadership skills that are highly marketable in the workplace.”

Many sororities and fraternities at Tarleton are part of a larger, national organization, which Watson said increases Greek marketability.

“The national governing boards… allow students to make connections with members from other schools in both their own chapter and in others,” Watson said. “These connections can be an tremendous resource to help with resume building, job opportunities, and creating friendships when relocating.”

According to Watson, Greek life is also helpful when it comes to finding post-graduation employment.

“Fraternity and sorority life equips students with the ability to share their strengths and talents in a way that gives evidence,” Watson said. “Students will be able to utilize their leadership skills that were gained through involvement, leadership, and relationship building to create a clear picture of how they can accomplish the job set before them. During their time at Tarleton State, students can learn time management, teamwork, and public speaking, as well as communication, budgeting, and running a productive meeting.”

The benefits of being involved are not limited to sororities and fraternities, according to Watson.

“Many students graduate with the knowledge and high GPAs for a position but they have no practical skills because they were not involved in college,” Watson added. “Through being a member of an organization, students learn to advocate for themselves, confront challenging situations, and to collaborate with others effectively.”

While many organizations offer a range of life skills, Watson says there is something students can find in Greek life that they may not find elsewhere.

“Graduation is not the end of being a member in a fraternity or a sorority,” she explained. “It is the beginning of a lifelong bond that is shared with millions of students in the United States. There are alumni groups across the country where these members can find community and support.”

The Gallup Blog article can be found at http://thegallupblog.gallup.com/2014/05/fraternity-and-sorority-membership.html.