Former Chapter President Alex Bernstein, Massachusetts ’15, led his chapter out of the shadows and into the light … while working full-time and going to school.

The key to this senior’s success was balance. He muscled through the rigors of his job as a financial analyst on IBM’s Recruitment and Education team, where he coordinated and facilitated finance specific courses related to IBM functions. And he did not shy away from the formidable task of leading his chapter back from closure. Add online coursework to that mix and throw in a three-hour commute. Now that is ‘busy.’

“Driving from Amherst to New York at 5 a.m. for a meeting at IBM was difficult. One time I actually left my IBM laptop in Amherst and had to drive all the way back to get it,” said the graduating senior.

For the hardworking dual degree candidate (BBA in finance and BA in economics), his typical workweek was very structured.

Bernstein said that organization and delegation made the double life possible. “It was definitely difficult at times, but I liked to be on a good sleep schedule and plan my days out. I had an iPhone app for my calendar, a to-do list and any random reminders.”

“A huge part of being president from another state was delegation. My executive board helped a lot, and it was not solely them. Our chapter has 50 young men motivated towards the same vision, and they provided a wealth of support,” Bernstein said. “People wanted to step up and participate, and I needed that as I was in the [IBM] office at least 40 hours a week.”

If anyone was prepared for the challenge of leading a chapter while developing his own career path, it was Bernstein, whose drive and passion towards all things SigEp has remained intense. “I believe in experiences. Whether it is service learning or joining a club, I try to learn from all my experiences, so I have made it a mission to just go out and do things.”

Throughout his college career, Bernstein has been a member of six student clubs; three executive boards, including UMass for the Kids and Autism Speaks; multiple leadership conferences and a study abroad experience. He received a Zollinger Outstanding Senior Award and National Competition Scholarship from the Fraternity.

Leading by Example

A former Ruck Scholar, Bernstein has embraced the role of leader and looks forward to more opportunities in the future. “I love to lead. Whether it was high school baseball, or now in SigEp, I like to work with people and work to motivate a team to strive for the vision we set.”

Bernstein has quarterbacked a near-180-degree change in the chapter’s direction, including a Fraternity of Year Award from Massachusetts, with a lot of help from his brothers. “My brothers have pushed me to become a better version of myself and that is one of the greatest accomplishments you can get out of your college experience.”

He’s also left his mark at IBM. During his internship, he co-facilitated a finance course with a subject matter expert for over 500 employees. This course helped provide further training for the company’s finance team. Bernstein began his fulltime role at IBM this summer.

Chapter Services Director Logan Fletcher, North Dakota ’12, vouched for Bernstein’s tenacity. “Chapter leaders are some of the hardest working undergraduates I’ve met. They can easily burn out after a year or two. Alex’s motivation and passion was consistently an inspiration. I’m not just proud to have worked with him, I’m thankful,” said Fletcher.

Bernstein said, “I hope those who come after me realize the same opportunities that were possible for me are also available for them.”