5 Reasons Employers Hire Former RAs

Resident Assistants know how to pull it together, put on a smile, and refrain from letting anyone rain on their parade...just ask Bukky (pictured above)!

Here are five reasons why employers jump at the opportunity to hire previous Resident Assistants (RA): 

1. MASTERS OF MULTI-TASKING

*Fire alarm is going off*

*Exam at 8:00am tomorrow*

*Duty phone is ringing* 

"Alright, everyone. Please move toward the emergency exits. Hello, thanks for calling the RA Duty phone; if you can tell me something about Human Anatomy I'll buy you lunch!"

So, when someone calls in sick at the office and the boss needs one person to cover the work of two, former RAs are able to take over with ease (unlike George Lopez, they really do "got this").

2. NOT A PUSHOVER
Just because a resident comes to the front desk yelling or tells us that "the president of the college will hear about this" doesn't mean that we are going to run for the hills with our tail between our legs.

RAs know that rules need to be enforced in order to maintain organization at work, so they make great advocates for establishing and supervising company policies and procedures.

If employers are looking for someone to put the "super" in supervisor, they know that former RAs are a superb choice.

3. EVENT PLANNING IS SECOND NATURE
RAs have planned everything from water balloon fights on the quad to résumé writing courses in the library. Their variety in event planning makes for one heck of a coordinator for future employers.

Whether they need to plan a work party or a sales pitch, they are bound to get on the ball, and knock it out of the park. 

RA=Really Awesome

4. UNDERSTANDS DIVERSITY
Working in residence halls allow RAs to experience diversity first-hand, and their job is to smack it in the metaphorical face by making everyone feel welcome. They've built programs and relationships on the foundation of equality for everyone.

When coworkers are racist, stereotypical, or hesitant towards someone for their lack of experience in diversity, former RAs are able to address their discomfort and help them understand how to be a company of acceptance and inclusion.

5. EXCELLENT AT AWKWARD CONVERSATIONS
"Yeah, you can't leave your trash sitting in your room any longer because it's giving off a very sewer-like aroma, and well, this isn't a sewer."

RAs are surprised by nothing and comfortable talking about anything. This ability comes in handy when they need to address the conduct or performance of others in the workplace. 

Employers no longer have to play rock, paper, scissors over who needs to have a "serious talk" with Johnny about his three hour lunch breaks.

Being a Resident Assistant is a great way to get connected in your community, build up your résumé, and make lasting relationships. To learn more about the RA position at Dalton State College, visit the Resident Assistant website.