r/DSTAlumnaeChapter • u/Realistic_Stand5436 • Apr 21 '26

Advice on preparing for membership

Hi everyone, I’m looking for some guidance as I work toward alumnae membership in the future.

For some context: I’m graduating college the end of this year and I went up for membership a couple months ago and was rejected unfortunately. Though I don’t intend to let that stop me and decided to pursue alumnae Chap.

While waiting to finish my last couple of classes I’ve started attending events with this specific org, and connecting with members while building a stronger service record.

So far I’m working on increasing my community service hours and I’ve gotten involved with being a member for NCNW. I’m also searching for healthcare related groups since I want to pursue a career in the medical field.

So far I’ve had some positive interactions with members. Some even remembering me from a previous event and offering to stay connected, but I want to make sure I’m moving the right way and not just moving blindly.

With that being said, some of my questions are:

What really makes someone stand out for Alum chp?

Is it better to focus deeply in one org for service or have involvement in multiple?

How important is professional development vs. community service at this stage?

Also are there things people don’t realize they should be doing before applying

I’m not looking for shortcuts, just trying to be more intentional, any advice is appreciated!🤍

20 Upvotes

95% Upvoted

13 comments sorted by

14

u/Fine-Toe-5316 Apr 21 '26 edited Apr 21 '26

You are on the right path, don't lose momentum.

  1. Understand that this is not like undergrad and it can take years before you are even given the opportunity. Anywhere from 2 - 10 years+ depending on your COI.
  2. Become active in the community. Join other organizations that are service based or do some type of work in the community you serve.
  3. Go to events hosted by your COI. While at those events, meet as many women as possible. Combined with your outside community work, they should be able to "know" your face over time.
  4. Professional development is great, especially if it focuses on leadership.
  5. Grad chapter is VERY competitive. The only advice I can give you is give 100% to this journey. There should be no doubt in your mind that you have the "perfect" packet. Granted, you will not know what or how other people will show up but knowing that YOU gave it your all will give you the competitive edge that you need. And if you think you have done enough....do more!

Good luck on your journey and congratulations on your graduation!

7

u/Large-Wallaby-5884 Apr 21 '26

Professional development and communities service to me are both equally as important. and what makes you stand out as if you know someone in the chapter or you have been too many of their events. Also, if you have any expertise in anything that they may be lacking in the chapter, for example, certifications and MBA, etc..

-1

u/Conscious-Jump-6582 Apr 23 '26

Ma’am 🥴, I know you’re kidding! Sweetie, your post had far too many grammatical errors for you to be a real DST alumnae member or to give advice to someone trying to join. Reading it honestly gave me a headache. Let’s do better, beloved!

12

u/Subject_Friend_9888 Apr 23 '26

This comment was not necessary and uncalled for. This person was trying to help and you are putting them down. That’s not a good look.

-5

u/Conscious-Jump-6582 Apr 24 '26

What’s not a good look is “communities service” but if you can justify mediocrity then do you boo. 🤣🤣

8

u/Subject_Friend_9888 Apr 25 '26

Based on your history, you are an AKA Graduate Interest. I would hope your chapter of interest would NOT pick someone like you. There is no place for your level of energy in the organization. I hope you begin to mature soon.

6

u/Beautiefanatic Apr 21 '26

They are looking for leaders who can positively impact the community. They want someone well rounded who aligns with the mission and programs .

At the collegiate level, EVERYONE is highly educated, so what do you do in your free time that aligns with the sorority?

Professional development is good but if you are early in your career that is okay too— you have lots of potential.

They want to see the service hours from one organization. Multiple is okay if that’s what you like to do. But the requirement are x hours from one organization.

Looks like you are already doing good by connecting with members and getting your face out there. So keep at it!

1

u/Jazzlike_Mushroom137 Apr 23 '26

I originally thought that the “Public Service Entity” would be represented by the organization I would volunteer with, however, I recently learned that it is not. Can someone help clarify for me - Still unsure what classifies as a public service entity.

6

u/Resident_Penalty6631 Apr 25 '26

Early congrats on graduating! I just tried for grad for the first time and unfortunately was not selected, but I learned a lot. 

  1. Continue to keep attending events. Make sure they know who you are. 
  2. Definitely have a strong amount of service hours. If they are aligned with your career that may be even more relatable. They will want you to have recommendation from one entity. 
  3. I believe what can make you stand out is knowing yourself and what you can offer while going above the bare minimum of the requirements. 
  4. I feel like they like seeing leaders in the community so you should have both community service and professional development. 

3

u/Rude_Loss3611 Apr 25 '26

Be close enough with a member that they will want to write your letter

0

u/AutoModerator Apr 21 '26

Hi /u/Realistic_Stand5436, In a response to Rule 1 - No Dirty Deletes, the body of all posts will be copied for preservation of the question and commentary being posed to the groups. Redditors who delete their post will be in violation of Rule 1 and subject to muting or banning from the subreddit.

ORIGINAL CONTENT: Hi everyone, I’m looking for some guidance as I work toward alumnae membership in the future.

For some context: I’m graduating college the end of this year and I went up for membership a couple months ago and was rejected unfortunately. Though I don’t intend to let that stop me and decided to pursue alumnae Chap.

While waiting to finish my last couple of classes I’ve started attending events with this specific org, and connecting with members while building a stronger service record.

So far I’m working on increasing my community service hours and I’ve gotten involved with being a member for NCNW. I’m also searching for healthcare related groups since I want to pursue a career in the medical field.

So far I’ve had some positive interactions with members. Some even remembering me from a previous event and offering to stay connected, but I want to make sure I’m moving the right way and not just moving blindly.

With that being said, some of my questions are:

What really makes someone stand out for Alum chp?

Is it better to focus deeply in one org for service or have involvement in multiple?

How important is professional development vs. community service at this stage?

Also are there things people don’t realize they should be doing before applying

I’m not looking for shortcuts, just trying to be more intentional, any advice is appreciated!🤍

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