Residential Advisor

Your Fit

Income

$38K

Preparation

Medium

Growth

6.0%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Residential Advisor?

A Residential Advisor, commonly referred to as an RA, is responsible for supervising and assisting residents in dormitories or residential facilities, primarily at colleges and universities. They serve as a primary resource for residents, ensuring a safe, supportive, and inclusive living environment.

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Residential Advisor.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Residential Advisor earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) is...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$28K per year	$32K per year	$38K per year	$46K per year	$56K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $10K below the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Residential Advisor do?

Work environment

Residential Advisors typically work in student housing facilities, such as dormitories or residence halls, on college and university campuses. Their role involves a combination of administrative duties, student interaction, and on-call responsibilities, often including nights and weekends.

Quick task list

Enforces residence hall policies and regulations.
Organizes and facilitates social and educational events for residents.
Provides peer counseling and conflict resolution.
Acts as a liaison between students and university administration.
Manages emergency situations and provides first-line response.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

First-Year Students: Specializing in assisting freshmen with their transition to college life.
International Student Integration: Focusing on the needs of international students and helping them acclimate.
Substance-Free Living: Overseeing substance-free living environments and promoting healthy lifestyle choices.
Honors Students: Working with honors program students, often with a focus on academic support and enrichment.
Special Needs Accommodation: Assisting students with disabilities or special needs, ensuring accessible and supportive living conditions.

Description

Residential Advisors play a crucial role in shaping the campus living experience. They are often the first point of contact for students facing challenges, whether personal, social, or academic. RAs are trained to handle a variety of situations, from roommate disputes to mental health crises, and are essential in fostering a sense of community within the residence hall.

The position requires strong interpersonal skills, as RAs must effectively communicate with a diverse student population. They need to be empathetic, approachable, and able to maintain confidentiality. RAs also develop valuable skills in leadership, conflict resolution, and event planning.

While the role is demanding, it offers unique opportunities for personal and professional growth. RAs gain experience in counseling, administration, and crisis management, skills that are transferable to many different career paths. The position also allows for the development of lasting relationships and a deep sense of community involvement.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Making a positive impact on students' college experiences.
Developing leadership and problem-solving skills.
Building a close-knit community and forming meaningful relationships.

You might make a good Residential Advisor if you are...

A natural leader who enjoys mentoring and guiding others.
Compassionate and empathetic, with strong listening skills.
Able to handle responsibility and make sound judgments.
Organized and proactive in addressing issues.
Interested in creating inclusive and supportive environments.

Pros:

Opportunity to positively impact students' lives.
Development of strong leadership and communication skills.
Often includes benefits like reduced or free housing.

Cons:

Can be time-consuming and interfere with personal and academic commitments.
Handling challenging and sensitive situations.
On-call responsibilities, including nights and weekends.

How to become a Residential Advisor

Typical education

Typically, Residential Advisors are undergraduate or graduate students at the institution where they work, so the role requires enrollment in a college or university program. Formal education beyond high school is therefore a prerequisite.

High school preparation

Courses:

Psychology to understand human behavior and interpersonal dynamics.
Education or Teaching for skills in mentoring and instruction.
Leadership or Public Speaking to develop communication and leadership abilities.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Participating in student government or clubs.
Volunteering in community service or mentorship programs.
Involvement in peer counseling or support groups.

Preparation after high school

Enroll in a college or university and maintain good academic standing.
Get involved in campus organizations, particularly those related to student life or leadership.
Seek opportunities for leadership roles on campus.

More resources

National Association of College and University Residence Halls (NACURH) - Provides resources and development opportunities for residence hall leaders.
Association of College and University Housing Officers - International (ACUHO-I) - Offers professional development and networking opportunities in university housing.
Residence Life Online Resources - A collection of resources for those working in residence life, including RAs.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.