My AEZ Experience
Prior to joining UC Berkeley, the idea of a professional fraternity was unknown to me. I was strongly against the idea of joining a fraternity, as it was often associated with binge drinking. I did not want to be hazed and I did not want to be a “frat boy.” All of this, coupled with family members and friends telling me fraternities are a bad idea, convinced me to avoid such organizations. One Thursday night in early September 2005, I heard that AEZ* was holding an informational session–I decided to skip it. However, after some whining by another freshman friend, I decided to go. I was thoroughly impressed by the brothers’ professionalism, presentation, and organization of the event. The ideas presented were great, but I still wasn’t sold on joining a campus organization my freshman year. I wanted to ease into classes and college life without having to stress about other commitments.
A few days later I was walking home after visiting a family friend (who also studied at Berkeley) when I ran into two AEZ brothers, Rakesh Vij and Neil Bhalerao. They asked me if I was going to their rush event later that day and I said that I was sold on the idea of AEZ but wanted to wait until my sophomore year to join. But I was curious to know how that might change my experience.
Rakesh responded: “AEZ is a great choice regardless of what year you decide to pledge. The skills you will learn throughout the pledge process are invaluable and are likely to aid you throughout your college career– in classes, internships, and other on campus groups. We understand that you’re smart; everybody that comes to Berkeley isn’t here by chance. But once you’re here there is nothing that distinguishes you from the other 40,000 students. There is nothing that puts you a step ahead. The goal of our organization is to help each brother make the most of his potential during his four years in college. The best way to accomplish that is by using all four years to get there, as opposed to three.”
I was sold! After asking for a slight extension on the application deadline, I headed back to my dorm and got dressed for the rush event: AEZ goes to the A’s game. Catchy, right?
I had no idea at the time that I was making the BEST decision of my college career. Not only was my pledge semester the most fun time I’ve had at Cal, it was the most productive and enriching 10 weeks of my life. No exaggeration. Since crossing I’ve had the opportunity to meet CEOs of various companies, leverage AEZ’s connections for internships, and establish a lifelong brotherhood with many friends. And it truly has helped me make the most of my potential. I had no idea what a proper resume should look like and what guidelines it should follow. Older AEZ brothers have helped make my resume effective and now the younger guys are turning to me for guidance. The system for getting and giving help in AEZ is quite impressive. I can call anyone, at anytime in the day, and be assured that they’ll take time out of their schedule to make sure their brother is doing okay and getting what he needs.
The other area in which AEZ has given me phenomenal guidance is with interview skills. Through extensive mock interviews and company/industry research, AEZ has helped me get working opportunities in the last two years. I’ve only interviewed for five positions in the last three years but I have received four offers and taken three of them.
But AEZ doesn’t stop at making opportunities. It has given me skills to succeed in the work place as well. Prior to crossing I had already taken workshops in Microsoft Powerpoint, Excel, Outlook, and more. To ensure each brother is well rounded, pledges attend workshops that cover topics in multiple industries, not just the area in which they are majoring. For example, during my pledge process I attended workshops in investing, the pharmaceutical drug industry, as well as computer engineering.
Realizing early how powerful and valuable this organization can be to those who participate, I make it a point to always give back in any way I can. As a sophomore I was the fraternity’s first ever Alumni Relations chair and I put into place multiple programs and events that will now stay with AEZ forever. This position also made my network with the older brothers and alumni much stronger as I became the go-to guy for all alumni communications. As a junior I was the Senior Vice President of AEZ where, along with the President, I organized, all major endeavors for our organization. As a senior in college now, I have decided not to hold an executive position, but rather serve as an advisor to the new leaders.
I’m often asked, “Tushar, you still have a year left in AEZ, why didn’t you run for President?” The point of AEZ is to create new leaders, and due to the horizontal nature of the organization, you do not need to hold one of the two executive positions to lead the fraternity in a particular direction. The best way to create new leaders is by giving more brothers an opportunity to be a leader. I hope that future brothers share this mentality.
To sum up this fairly lengthy post– I am very content with my decision. Not only have I learned many valuable skills through AEZ, but I have helped shape the future of those younger than me who also share the same passion I have for this powerful network. To any incoming freshmen at UC Berkeley, I strongly suggest you check out AEZ and see if it’s right for you.
*AEZ, short for Alpha Epsilon Zeta, is the West Coast Premier South Asian Professional Fraternity. Its goal is to create the largest South Asian network amongst professionals and graduate students. It was established on February 19, 2003 by four UC Berkeley students.
Related Links:
www.aezinc.org
www.aezinc.wordpress.com
