By Sophia Bongiovanni (Delta Zeta, Central Michigan University)
When I first stepped into the role of chapter consultant for Alpha Chi Omega, I never imagined how transformative the experience would be, both personally and professionally. What started as a passion for giving back to the organization that profoundly impacted me during my collegiate years quickly evolved into an opportunity for professional development that will benefit me throughout my career.
I am lucky to be serving as the resident consultant for the Alpha Lambda chapter at the University of Minnesota. On this project I have the opportunity to support the chapter in all areas of chapter operations. From recruitment planning to officer development, I collaborate closely with chapter leadership to ensure their success and help them realize their full potential. It’s incredibly rewarding to witness the collegians surpass their goals, but what makes this journey even more meaningful is the opportunity to grow alongside them. Each interaction, whether guiding members through challenges or celebrating their achievements, has enhanced my own development as a young professional, building my confidence and reinforcing the power of leadership.
Through my role as a chapter consultant, I have not only supported the growth of chapters across the country but have also gained invaluable professional skills that will serve me throughout my career. This position has provided me with hands-on experience. From managing multiple projects simultaneously to developing my own leadership, I’ve learned how to navigate working with diverse individuals, become an impactful facilitator, provide meaningful feedback and lead with confidence.
Among these skills, project management stands out as one of the larger skills I am continuously growing in. Along with working with Alpha Lambda, I have two other chapters in my portfolio that I support. All three chapters have their own goals and objectives that they are working toward, requiring me to balance various tasks to ensure that their goals are met. Whether planning for recruitment, coordinating philanthropy events or helping with the budget, I’ve improved upon my ability to prioritize effectively and adapt to changing circumstances.
Leadership has always been a passion of mine. Throughout my collegiate years, I always held some leadership position or another, knowing that guiding others was something I wanted to continue in my professional life. What’s unique about the chapter consultant role is that even though it is an entry-level position, I have the opportunity to be a leader and develop leadership skills among collegians. Some ways that I do this are through facilitating presentations on personal development, giving constructive feedback and working one-on-one with chapter leaders. Helping chapter leaders navigate challenges, set goals and find confidence in their roles has been an incredibly rewarding aspect of my work.
Lastly, being a chapter consultant has allowed me to grow and become more confident in myself. This role has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, challenging me to trust not only in my abilities but also in the decisions I make. Over time, I’ve learned to embrace these challenges, understanding that making decisions with confidence—even in uncertainty—is a critical skill in any leadership role. The responsibility I hold as a chapter consultant has encouraged me to think critically and act decisively, knowing that I am capable of driving positive outcomes. This growth in my confidence has not only shaped the way I approach my work today but has also laid a strong foundation for the professional challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
In reflecting on my past few months as a chapter consultant, it’s clear that this role has been far more than just a job—it’s been an experience that has shaped me in countless ways. The skills I’ve developed have not only helped chapters thrive but have also allowed me to grow into a more capable and confident professional. Looking ahead, I am excited to apply these lessons and continue building on the foundation this experience has provided.