The year 2020 provided many challenges, and Phi Delta Theta used innovation and creativity to adapt its services, programs, and support.

One silver lining of the global pandemic was the time it allowed expediting educational content creation for Pursuit of Greatness, Phi Delta Theta’s four-year membership development program. A Society for Human Resource Management study found that 73 percent of employers said it is difficult to find college graduates with the soft skills needed to succeed in the workplace. Further, 51 percent of those same employers said colleges do little to nothing to address this gap. That is why Phi Delta Theta desired to provide its members with the opportunity to learn skills that employers value but aren’t available through the traditional college classroom experience. The skills included interpersonal communication, conflict management, and resiliency, to name a few.

Along with learning about valuable soft skills, the Pursuit of Greatness program offers Phi Delta Theta members the opportunity to earn digital badges that serve as a tangible demonstration of skills they have developed through their Phi Delta Theta experience. The badges can be added to their résumés helping Phi Delts stand out amongst their peers. Members of Phi Delta Theta understand the value of the fraternity experience, but this isn’t always the case with employers. The badges translate chapter experiences into recognizable skills valued by employers during the hiring process.

Pursuit of Greatness courses and badges are available through PDT U, the Fraternity’s online learning portal. The Professional Development Badge is centered on skills that undergraduate members can take into the workplace, such as conflict management and stakeholder communication. The Personal Development Badge is geared towards the interpersonal skills needed to be successful in post-college life, such as managing personal finances and resiliency. The digital badges complement the content offered through the new Phikeia education program and officer certification modules.

Learn more about the Pursuit of Greatness at www.pursuitofgreatness.org.