IU’s 3rd business fraternity seeking ‘dedicated members’

Phi Chi Theta recently joined IU’s campus as Kelley’s third business fraternity in order to accommodate the increasing number of interested business students.  

“Business fraternities are definitely on the rise,” Varun Awasty, president of Phi Chi Theta, said. “The amount of people that are rushing and want to be a part of groups like this is rising. There was a definite need for expansion.”

Awasty quit in the middle of pledging business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi for reasons he said are “confidential” and started up Phi Chi Theta instead.

The new fraternity will be an exclusive group of undergraduates looking to prepare themselves for the business world while also gaining the benefits of a traditional fraternity focused on brotherhood and sisterhood, Awasty said.

Phi Chi Theta was officially installed on Oct. 18 with a total of 14 members, though it began with only five students, including Awasty, who have been working since March to bring Phi Chi Theta to IU.

“I wanted to be a part of something so that when recruiters come down I can tell them that I am part of Phi Chi Theta, and we are the best,” Awasty said.

The purpose of a business fraternity is to form a network of individuals that are interested in business and who work to increase their professionalism through a number of initiatives, said Phi Chi Theta faculty adviser Greg Kitzmiller.  

“It becomes difficult to keep in touch with the network you form through the University after graduation,” Kitzmiller said. “Those in a business fraternity have a vehicle to maintain that.”

Kelley School of Business Assistant Director Jim Johnson said that a number of students now credit finding a job in the business world to having those networks, especially as employers modify the ways they hire.  

Members of Phi Chi Theta, like those in other business fraternities, are working on events and activities not only to increase their own professionalism and preparedness, but also to help others, specifically Kelley students, gain experience.

Coming up at the end of November, Phi Chi Theta plans to have a resume workshop where students can come to have their resumes critiqued by faculty and other trained individuals.  

“A resume is the most important part of getting an internship or a job,” Awasty said. “Everyone should be able to get advice.”

While focused on business-related advancement, Phi Chi Theta also embraces the social aspect of a fraternity. Upcoming events include a basketball tournament and a Kelley school talent show, which Awasty called “‘American Idol’ with a business twist.”

“We are really looking to build the entire experience,” he said. “It really is all about what you can’t learn in the classroom. Phi Chi Theta will be a hands-on experience.”

In two weeks, the members of Phi Chi Theta will start their marketing campaign for rush, Awasty said. He said rush will be a long and competitive process based on deciding who has the goals, skills and leadership qualities that fit with the fraternity.

“We want to keep the group limited and small,” Awasty said, “We want only 50 to 60 dedicated members. Every member will be a leader.”

Though it will be selective, Phi Chi Theta will be a substantial addition to campus.

“Phi Chi Theta will be another way to get involved if students have not found a connection through another organization,” Johnson said. “This will provide a great opportunity for business students to more meet their needs.”

Phi Chi Theta will be open to all business and economics majors.  

“Even though the globe has experienced economic slowdown, I think this is an exciting time for students to be interested in business,” Kitzmiller said. “I think this is the right time for a new business fraternity to be forming.”