Is Joining an Honors Society (Phi Beta Kappa) Beneficial?

[Athenian]

Recently, I received an email from my university notifying me that I have been selected to be a Phi Beta Kappa member. The email, to say the least, had a way to shower an excessive amount of praise and make a lot of promises related to how PBK (Phi Beta Kappa) can propel my chances of success in my future career.

For example, PBK promises that my membership would be an incredible addition to my resume. The reason would be because I am part of the 0.3 percent group of "elite students" this year.

That said, while PBK membership may look a little bit nice on paper in the U.S., can the same be said abroad? I'm hoping to work in Japan after graduation.

In addition, is the PBK considered a fraternity? My father who lived in the U.S. twenty years ago was telling me all the bad news behind fraternities and told me to steer clear of them. I believe it was something along the lines of "animal house" culture.

To put it shortly, I have been hearing a lot of mixed news about these honors societies and I am hoping to understand what are the pros and cons of joining an honors society like PBK. By "cons", I just really want to understand will I be "tied" down or obligated to do anything when I am a lifetime member of PBK.

Lastly, if there is anything "good" I can identify about the email I received from PBK, it would be that I'm waived from paying their $85 entrance fee. Thus, provided that there are no other cons to joining PBK, I see no harm in joining and see what I find.

Any thoughts or experience on the topic?

Thank you for reading!

 

[hutchphd]

If it costs you no money I cannot see the possible harm. Its not the Nazi party or the KKK. It certainly used to mean something positive.
I think you are free to not mention it at your discretion if there are any downsides.

 

[Vanadium 50]

PBK promises that my membership would be an incredible addition to my resume.

may look a little bit nice on paper in the U.S.,

More the second than the first. It's a nice addition. It's not going to overshadow everything else.

In addition, is the PBK considered a fraternity?

No,

My father who lived in the U.S. twenty years ago was telling me all the bad news behind fraternities and told me to steer clear of them. I believe it was something along the lines of "animal house" culture.

I don't get my information from 43-year old comedies.

 

[Athenian]

Thank you all for the feedback! This has all been really helpful and I think I'll give this PBK a try.