In 2011, SigEp alumni and volunteers started a conversation about a growing problem in higher education: too many undergraduates—and too many SigEps—were struggling to get good jobs when they graduated.
A recent study by Bentley University had reported that employers weren’t impressed with recent graduates, giving colleges a “C” or lower on preparing students for their first jobs. News headlines weren’t optimistic either. USA Today reported 54 percent of bachelor’s degree holders under 25 were jobless or underemployed, and CNN Money said that half of them were making less than $25,000 per year.
A task force of alumni-volunteers knew SigEp needed to think creatively and step up to the challenges students were facing.
On March 3, 2012, 75 undergraduates from 12 Southern California chapters gathered at the Marriott Marina del Ray Hotel to pilot a new SigEp leadership event: Life After College. Alumni and volunteers led undergraduates through a one- day crash course in business etiquette, resume and interview skills, personal finance, and graduate school admissions. They also discussed the softer skills needed to transition effectively to adult life.
The program took off, and two more programs were tested that spring. In the three semesters that followed, Life After College reached 658 students in 10 cities.
In October, 2014, an improved two-day Life After College debuted in Detroit, Mich. with beginner and advanced tracks to meet the needs of every brother. The event included a SigEp-exclusive career fair where brothers had the chance to put newly developed skills into action, learn about specific indus- tries and company cultures, and meet potential employers.
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