Serving as a Resident Assistant (RA) for three years was one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. While many people see the RA position as simply enforcing rules or planning events, the role taught me valuable life and professional skills that directly prepared me for the workforce.
One of the biggest lessons I learned as an RA was leadership. I wasn’t just responsible for myself; I was responsible for an entire building or half a floor of residents. Whether I was mentoring first-year students, mediating conflicts, or planning community-building programs, I learned how to take initiative and guide others toward a common goal. These leadership experiences helped me gain confidence in making decisions and supporting others, skills that are essential in any professional setting.
Another major takeaway was communication. From late-night conversations with residents to coordinating with other RAs and housing staff, I learned how to adapt my communication style depending on who I was talking to. Handling heated situations also taught me how to stay calm under pressure, listen actively, and respond with empathy and professionalism, abilities that translate directly to handling workplace challenges and customer relations.
Being an RA also strengthened my teamwork skills. Working alongside other RAs requires collaboration, accountability, and trust. We had to rely on each other to keep the building running smoothly and to support our residents. I learned that strong teams aren’t built overnight, they’re built through consistent communication, respect, and shared effort.
Perhaps one of the most valuable lessons I learned was time management. Balancing my personal life, academic responsibilities, and RA duties all at once required careful planning and discipline. Juggling multiple priorities taught me how to set boundaries, meet deadlines, and stay organized skills that have made transitioning into a professional work environment much smoother.
Ultimately, being an RA taught me far more than managing a residence hall, it taught me how to lead, communicate, and thrive in any environment. The experiences I gained in those three years shaped not only the professional skills I have today but also the person I continue to grow into.
Maliah Spencer
Maliah is a graduate of Southern Arkansas University and is continuing her education to obtain her MBA. She is highly involved with the campus community, serving as both an Assistant Resident Director and a Career Services Graduate Assistant.
