February 15 , 2007 - Like many seniors, Kristen Irvine, a sister and former president of Alpha Xi Delta, has been busy scoping her options for after graduation. Although Kristen is an elementary education major, Irvine found herself visiting the Alpha Xi Delta website in search of potential careers. It was then that she came upon the Educational Leadership Consultant (ELC) position.

Every year four ELC and two LC (Leadership Consultant) positions are offered to recent graduates. The national headquarters sorts through hundreds of applications in search of the perfect representatives of the fraternity’s values and traditions. Once chosen, these girls will endure a four week training sessions that covers the intense details of the fraternity’s policies, procedures, current issues, recruitment, finance and public relations.

ELCs and LCs travel approximately twice a week to new college in order to build a personal relationship with chapters all over the nation. These consultants will act as role models to aid the nationwide sisters of Alpha Xi Delta to “realize their potential.”

In addition to meeting thousands of dedicated sisters from an array of different backgrounds, ELCs and LCs will have the opportunity to travel to new places therefore gaining much more than the new friendships.

Although Irvine has always been excited about a job in a thriving elementary school, she saw something in this job that changed her plans for a while.

“I felt like I really related to the testimonial on the website. I love teaching but I just wanted to see what else what out there before I settled down into a career,” said Irvine.

The job as an ELC is perfect for outstanding sister who love Alpha Xi Delta and want to share that with sisters throughout the nation. Its one year time span conveniently fits the schedule of recent graduates, like Irvine, who want something excited to add to their resume before they begin in their profession.

Irvine’s stellar resume is loaded with qualifications that exceed the national headquarters’ expectations.

In addition to a highly competitive GPA and work experience, Irvine is also member of Alpha Xi Delta and has served as both Programs Vice President in 2005 and President in 2006. It was these outstanding credentials that put Kristen in the top 12 candidacy and earned her an invitation to Indianapolis for interviewing.

It was only two weeks later that Kristen received a phone call saying that she had been selected for the job.

Although the initial training will not start until Mid-July, Kristen will be attending a “workout” in June.

During the workout she will have to opportunity to meet several sisters from throughout the nation and endure a series of activities that will allow them to grow more within their individual chapters as well as a national fraternity. Kristen will begin traveling in August and is excited about her upcoming plans.

To learn more about Alpha Xi Delta and the ELC and LC positions visit the website at www.alphaxidelta.org.

Liz Titchnell