By: Kathryn Edwards (Kappa Chi, Florida Gulf Coast University)
Since joining #TeamAXO I have had numerous opportunities to develop my leadership skills. Being a young professional can be challenging and hard to navigate while finding your footing post-college. Working as a chapter consultant has challenged me to think outside the box and collaborate with professionals across all platforms. While in college, I felt empowered by my chapter to run for positions, speak in front of large groups and develop leadership skills that were only available to me as an Alpha Chi Omega member. This support has only strengthened since joining Alpha Chi as a staff member. My role as a chapter consultant gives me the chance to travel the country, meet with young women and professionals with all different backgrounds, and strengthen my leadership skills.
Public speaking can be nerve-racking in front of any audience, but knowing your audience is full of sisters who want to grow and develop their professional skills gives me the push to prepare as much as possible. The whole consultant team wants to see a positive impact on the women we work with. I’ve experienced numerous career development opportunities as an Alpha Chi Omega chapter consultant. I have been able to network with leaders across the country: advisors, headquarters staff members, university staff and students. There have been opportunities for me to lead presentations and workshops with chapters. Since serving as a chapter consultant, I’ve jumped into recruitment workshops and practices, led bonding events, facilitated hard conversations and supported chapter leaders in continued growth for their chapters. I’ve also been able to develop elevated skills of being flexible in time-sensitive situations and managing numerous projects.
I feel confident that my time as a chapter consultant will increase the value I bring to future employers and teams I am on. Knowing that I’ve had the opportunity to serve in this role for over a year, at an organization that I love and has been a support system for me in college and beyond, fuels me to put care and hard work into everything I do.
The chapter consultant role has prepared me for any role my future holds. With the skills I’ve improved and developed over the past year, I feel confident in my ability to adapt to any situation and know how to use all of the resources available to me. Alpha Chi Omega will remain in my life in one way or another, but the opportunities I’ve had as a chapter consultant are invaluable and long-lasting!