Beginning in a little less than a month, numerous OΔK members will be graduating from colleges and universities around the country. I always think that commencement is such a happy time–for students, faculty and families alike. It is a great opportunity to celebrate the shared accomplishments and investments in the future of our next generation of leaders.
It is also a time when many OΔK members will be applying for jobs and meeting lots of new individuals. If you are working on your cover letters and your resumes, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
1. Putting your formal degree title on your resume matters. Each institution has its own way of defining the degrees awarded by the school, but it would be wise to verify how the degree title will be formatted on your transcript. For example, I have a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies. My degree title is Bachelor of Arts (note: not Bachelors or Bachelor’s) and my major is American Studies. I also have a Master of Arts (again, note: not Masters) in Higher Education Administration. However, if asked about my degrees, I will say that I have bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. Degree titles are also often listed formally in the programs for graduation exercises.
2. You are an alumnus (male) or alumna (female)of your alma mater. You are not an alumni. As a group of individuals who attended an institution (or who were inducted as a member into an organization such as OΔK), you are part of the alumni of that organization. A group of alumni can consist of all men or consist of men and women. A group consisting of all women is an alumnae organization.
Of course, you could always just say you are a graduate or alum of your school!
After graduation, there are opportunities for OΔK members to continue to serve the Society. You may continue to attend OΔK activities at the school of your initiation, you can connect with a circle in your new community if you relocate and you can serve in a national volunteer capacity. Details about all of these opportunities are located on our website.
Whether you are alumnus or alumna, who earned a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree this year, OΔK hopes that you will stay in touch. Let us know about where you land personally and professionally. We look forward to celebrating with you.
