ABOUT US
ZETA CHI CHAPTER
The Zeta Chi chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon was founded in March 2013. Then-campus junior Sabrina Ruiz observed a lack of marketing and retail management courses and organizations on Berkeley’s campus despite students and recruiters interested in the fields. She believed PSE could be the solution. To make this idea into a reality, Ruiz recruited Kelly Chao, Cynthia Huang, Lydia Kim, Peggy Lin, and Hiu Ngan to compose Zeta Chi’s founding Alpha class. These six officially chartered the chapter in August 2013.
Our chapter endeavors to epitomize the goals of the fraternity in each and every member through various events focused around developing professionalism, confidence, leadership, and networking abilities. Alongside placing the utmost value on its diversity of people, interests, and majors, the Zeta Chi Chapter provides its members with opportunities to hone into their marketing and business skills. Thus, in 2016, we established ZC Consulting, a marketing and strategy consulting group, to further support our members' experiential learning and professional opportunities.
Now in its 11th year, the Zeta Chi Chapter consist of over 45 members, representing a variety of majors and career paths. In Spring 2024, we are excited to be recruiting for the next generation of our family. We are proudly recognized and sponsored by ASUC and the UC Berkeley Career Center.
HISTORY: PI SIGMA EPSILON
In 1951, Lloyd L. Antle, an Ohio University graduate and Professor of Marketing at Georgia State University, conceived of the idea that the sales profession should have a professional fraternity of its own. After over a year of planning with the support of three of his colleagues, Pi Sigma Epsilon [PSE] was established on May 14, 1952. All four men were members of the Sales and Marketing Executives [SME] association of Atlanta, Georgia, which continues to be a sponsor of PSE to this day.
Pi Sigma Epsilon has grown to be the premiere organization for motivated and dedicated students looking to maximize their college experience. PSE’s goal is to provide collegiate students with practical business experience through sales and marketing projects, marketing research, professional programs, and social events. Pi Sigma Epsilon gives its members the opportunity to gain hands-on experience, participate in conferences both regionally and nationally, and network with top executives through PSE’s corporate partners. Currently there are over 60 active chapters at Universities across the United States.
To learn more, visit Pi Sigma Epsilon’s national website for more information about the organization.
ZC CONSULTING
ZC Consulting is a strategy consulting organization run entirely by students of UC Berkeley. Established in 2013, ZC Consulting is a branch of Pi Sigma Epsilon. Since then, we have provided strategic solutions to clients ranging from startups such as VSCO, Flexport, and Evernote, to Fortune 500 companies such as PepsiCo and Adobe. Our past projects have focuses ranging from marketing and design to strategy and product development.
ZC Consulting also offers pro-bono consulting services to local businesses and non-profit organizations. We have worked with clients such as Jaguar Karaoke and Not in Our Town (NIOT) and are committed to continue serving the community as a part of our mission as Pi Sigma Epsilon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
+ What makes PSE different from other organizations?
PSE differentiates itself from other business fraternities and organizations both in its learning philosophy and specialization. We prepare our members with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today's business world, but we also go further to provide opportunities to utilize and hone these skills within projects across various industries. PSE hosts networking opportunities and corporate infosessions with professionals and alumni, and puts its members in positions to become their best possible professional selves. But, PSE provides far more than professional development - as a fraternity, we are an intimate, close-knit community where members can build strong personal relationships, and lasting friendships.
+ Are all recruitment events mandatory?
You must attend at least one of the three recruitment events (Meet the Chapter, Social Mixer, Case Workshop) to be considered for an interview. The greater the number of events you attend, the more chances you have to meet the members and vice versa, and the better we will be able to learn about you.
+ What if I can't attend a recruitment event?
Recruitment events are designed for you to meet our members and familiarize yourself with Pi Sigma Epsilon. If you can’t make a recruitment event and would like to chat personally with one of our members instead, please contact berkeleypse.recruiting@gmail.com. You’re welcome to indicate your availability for a coffee chat and one of our members will reach out to you!
+ Is there a GPA minimum?
There is no GPA minimum as we evaluate applications holistically! At the same time, we believe it is important for applicants to consider the rigor and commitment of the Prospective Member Training process while applying.
+ What is the time commitment for a prospective member?
The time commitment for a prospective member (PM) will incrementally change as the process continues. PMs are expected to attend a 3 hour weekly PM training on Monday nights in addition to contributing several hours per week for the first few weeks, and progressively more in the final weeks of training.
+ Is there an age/year ceiling?
We do not have an age requirement, but you must be an undergraduate student with at least 3 semesters remaining (including your semester as a prospective member). First-semester freshmen are welcome to apply!
+ I'm not a Business or Economics major. Can I still join?
Of course! We love diversity. Close to half of our members are not majoring in Business or Economics. The two members who built this website is a Computer Science and Data Science/Public Health major. You're more than welcome to join.
+ How many PMs does PSE accept each semester?
It depends. If there are 20 recruits who are qualified, then we will accept 20. If there is only one, we'll accept them. On average, however, we tend to accept around 12 recruits per semester
+ Why do you not use terms such as "rush" or "pledge"?
PSE is a professional fraternity, and thus we choose to use terminology that reflects our professional attitude, character, and purpose. Terms such as "recruitment," "prospective member," "prospective member training," and "PM Trainer," are used in lieu of "rush," "pledge," "pledge process," and "pledgemaster," in any verbal or written communication involving participation or membership in Pi Sigma Epsilon.
+ Will I be hazed as a prospective member?
Absolutely not. PSE respects the time and health of its prospective members. We actively encourage our PMs to raise any concerns to their PM trainers throughout the training process. PMs should expect to be challenged but should not sacrifice any aspect of health for PSE.
+ Where can I ask more questions?
Fill out our contact form or direct any questions to berkeleypse.recruiting@gmail.com and we'll get back to you as soon as possible!