A Q&A with Ethan Kelley, South Carolina ’20

With an endless flow of noteworthy news from our alumni, we often miss the chance to celebrate our undergraduate members—making equally noteworthy splashes in their fields. This week we were given the opportunity to conduct a brief interview with one of our distinguished undergraduates. Ethan Kelley, South Carolina ’20, is an economics major in his junior year. A member of our Zeta Xi chapter at the University of South Carolina, Kelley is putting his international studies minor to use during this spring semester. Being hired on as a student intern for the U.S. Department of State, Kelley will be serving virtually within the economic section of the London Embassy. We asked Kelley about his spring internship and his time as a member of Phi Tau:

Q: In your own words, tell me a bit about your internship? Will you be living in London during this time, or working remotely?

A: I am going to be working for the United States Embassy in London, specifically with the economic section. Up until November, I was planning on working in London, but similar to so many things over the past two years, the virtual option was always on the table. So, when Omicron went through the United Kingdom, the internship went online. This still has its benefits, where I get first-hand experience in a significant government organization, while still being able to spend the semester on campus with the rest of Phi Tau. The internship itself will include assisting in administrative work at the embassy, as well as research in specific issues related to US and UK trade relations (commercial diplomacy, investment analysis, etc)

Q: How will this internship prepare you for your future career? What are some of your postgraduate plans?

A: One of my favorite parts about this internship is that it aligns very well with the degree I am obtaining. Being an economics major with a minor in international studies, working with trade and economic relations between two nations is something I am looking forward to for a potential future career. While I am interested in government affairs, I am also keeping an open mind towards the private sector in fields such as consulting and business analysis.

Q: Did your time in Phi Tau help propel you into this internship? If so, how?

A: Being around this group of guys over the past few years has had a huge impact on how I look at school, internships, and postgrad life. One thing that I love about the brothers at the South Carolina chapter is how committed they are to the task at hand, whether that is fraternity business or their own paths. Looking at active brothers now, I know I am going to see successful lawyers, doctors, accountants and so many other careers in the future. I believe that constantly being surrounded by driven people creates a competitive environment in a positive way, and I think that is what we have here.

Q: What are some of your proudest moments throughout your time in Phi Tau?

A: Since I have been a member of Phi Tau, we have earned “Chapter of the Year” on campus, as well as earning “Most Improved Chapter” by the national office. We were also able to get the largest new member class in chapter history while I was co-recruitment chair (Shoutout Kevin Heckler). The thing I am most proud of with this chapter is that we raised about $18,000 in just six months for a memorial fund dedicated to mental health, after the passing of one of our brothers. There is one thing I do hope our chapter can accomplish before I graduate, and that is to win an intramural championship in some sport, and I do think our intramural chair, Trevor Hauer, has what it takes to bring a trophy to Zeta Xi.