Beta Gamma Sigma: An Introduction
Achieving high honors doesn’t have to end after high school or your undergraduate degree. There’s an opportunity to join an elite group of business leaders at the graduate level as well.
Only the top students at the most prestigious business schools can join the honor society Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS). Beta Gamma Sigma was founded in 1913 and is the international business honor society for the top 5% of business school programs around the world. The University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business is a member institution and has had a chapter since 1926.
By joining BGS, you’ll enjoy lifelong membership that promises access to career development, leadership programs and a worldwide network of professionals committed to excellence in business. That is further supported by Beta Gamma Sigma’s mission statement.
The organization’s mission is, “To encourage and honor academic achievement in the study of business, to cultivate and celebrate leadership and professional excellence, to advance the values of the Society, and to serve its lifelong members.”
Who Qualifies for Beta Gamma Sigma Membership?
To join BGS, students are chosen after having met certain academic criteria that place them at the top of their graduating class. General membership requirements are:
- Undergraduate level: Top 10%
- Graduate level: Top 20%
Students can only qualify for Beta Gamma Sigma if they attend an AACSB-accredited school, like Daniels. After being invited to join, students are required to pay a one-time $75 lifetime membership fee.
Diverse Membership: Connecting Business Leaders Worldwide
With a rich history and diverse membership, BGS currently has members residing in all 50 states and more than 190 countries.
Notable members include Nobel Prize winners, Olympians, inventors, CEOs of major global companies and nonprofit organizations, deans of the top business schools, and more. This group of individuals shows an enduring commitment to professional excellence through social enterprise, service and leadership.
Benefits of Joining Beta Gamma Sigma
Connections and networking are critical to business success, and BGS provides an ideal setting to meet other business leaders. After joining, members can get to know their fellow members and find a space to share thoughts and questions about all things business.
BGS offers its members opportunities to come together and develop into exceptional leaders through member-only programs and events. Programs include the Global Leadership Summit, Ethical Leadership Certification Program and Master Class Series for alumni members to add to their resume.
Beta Gamma Sigma has over 30 formal alumni chapters and over 50 informal networking groups. BGS also gives members access to a variety of professional benefits, including discounts on insurance, technology, travel, gifts and services, business publications and professional attire.
Leadership Development and Local Involvement
Beta Gamma Sigma invites members to stay involved in their local chapters by becoming a leader and assisting with programming. Joining a local chapter’s team of officers provides a great way to develop leadership and share your skills with local membership.
ConnectBGS is a global online community that Beta Gamma Sigma has created to help members build relationships, discuss business trends, find and share job opportunities, and set up mentoring relationships.
Learn More About Beta Gamma Sigma
To learn more about BGS, members can register for the BGS Online Member Directory. Additionally, email the central office at bgshonors@betagammasigma.org or call 314-432-5650. For more information about the local chapter, reach out to Roberta Nicknish, the staff advisor for BGS at the University of Denver.