If you’ve ever thought of this question, you’re not alone. A lot of Resident Advisors (or any student staff members for that matter) who love their roles wonder if their passion can translate into a full-time career. It’s no secret that many people in the field of Student Affairs land here because of their positive experiences. I, myself, was in the same boat. At first, my supervisors encouraged me to explore it. As the uncertainty of the pandemic permeated, the disillusionment and consequent exodus from the field led to every informational interview feeling more confusing and biased than helpful.
Now, as professional staff, I often walk RAs through the same dilemma. Below are some pieces of subjective advice that I received that weren’t directly helpful. As you follow the recommendations down below, I hope you’re able to find more pointed, objective knowledge to digest with a trusted loved one, mentor, supervisor, or career counselor.
“Being an RA is like Disneyland compared to being ProStaff.”
What this means: The work you do as an RA is different from the work of a professional staff member. It involves navigating work within a university structure.
The first time this was shared with me, my instinct was to retract. Maybe I had no clue at all what my supervisors did? Maybe I would hate it? However, I had to sit and think about all the context. Ultimately, being Pro Staff means more spreadsheets, meetings, and resolution-finding. It also means less crafting door decs or planning fun events. Some thrive in that structure, and others miss the spontaneity.
Ask yourself:
- Do I enjoy the behind-the-scenes and paperwork?
- Am I okay with fewer creative outlets?
- Could I see myself doing this long-term, with responsibilities like being live-on after graduation, responding to late-night emergencies, etc?
- Do I like the job or the community it gave me?
Try this:
- Look up job postings in Student Affairs. Match them to your strengths and interests.
- Ask professionals about their day-to-day rather than just “Do you like your job?”
- Intern or volunteer in another area of Student Affairs to explore whether or not you only like Housing/Residential Education.
“The pay is very low, so you have to be very passionate about the work.”
What this means: Working at a college or university is working for a not-for-profit. Don’t expect to make a lot of money in this profession.
I once had a career counseling session that made me take a Values Quiz. Taking such an assessment when you’re a young adult who may not have a full perspective of what you might want from your future is tough. But, the worthwhile lesson here is that everyone has a different set of values for what they’re looking for in their career. The bottom line of the advice above is that a career in Student Affairs often comes with modest pay, especially early on. That doesn’t mean anything on its own as personal priorities play a huge role. Pay-based career decisions are not universal; a person’s salary expectations are relative. It is a personal choice based on a lot of personal context. Passion and fulfillment are other such values that may not be the same across the board.
Ask yourself:
- What kind of lifestyle do I want post-grad?
- Do I need stability, or am I open to moving often for job growth?
- Do I thrive in environments where emotional labor is part of the job?
Try this:
- Take a career values inventory (many colleges offer them for free).
- Talk to more senior alumni who pursued Student Affairs roles and ask what they wish they knew.
- If you’re able, take a gap year where you can explore any other options on your mind to compare and contrast your experiences.
As you process through the above advice, know that there is so much more out there that could not be contained in this one blog post! Whatever your decision ends up being, know that you were a part of a role that gave you an invaluable amount of skills you can translate to wherever life takes you!
