How to Describe RA Experience on a Resume
On your resume, describe your Resident Advisor experience in the same way you would describe other campus
involvement and work/internship experiences. During your time as an RA, you have developed numerous
transferable skills and abilities that are going to be relevant to many professions. What do you do as an RA? Your
official RA job description, often provided by the Campus Living staff during the hiring process, may be able to
help. Do not just copy job description onto your resume, as it rarely highlights skills and accomplishments
effectively. Think about what makes you unique as an RA – Did you receive any awards? Did you undertake new
initiatives? Did you works with other staff members or departments?
Focus on describing what you did, how you did it, and any results associated with your actions.
You can list your RA experience under Campus Involvement, Activities, Relevant Experience, or Leadership
Experience on your resume. Below are a few examples:
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE
Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR
Resident Advisor 2016 – 2017
• Fostered the development of relationships among 55 residents
• Planned and implemented programs to assist international and transfer students in transitioning to campus
• Received programming award for creating and supervising a sheltered teen volunteer project
• Counseled and advised first year students on academic and personal questions and concerns
• Developed and conducted programs on diversity, chemical abuse, personal development, relationships,
• and academic performance
• Managed administrative duties: budgeting, maintenance requests, incident reports, and room transfers
• Interviewed and hired new Resident Advisors
RELATED EXPERIENCE
Lewis & Clark College Resident Advisor August 2016 – Present
• Develop a positive living environment for residents, often resolving conflicts
• Implement and enforce all College and Campus Living policies, promoting academic excellence,
addressing student needs, and encouraging involvement
• Promote the interaction and construction of social networks between community and residents
• Create, market, and lead student centered hall programs to promote social, education, diversity, health,
emotional, understanding and growth
• Assist in the selection, evaluation and training of incoming RAs
• Communicate, correspond and collaborate with on and off-campus offices such as counseling, student
activities, campus security, Planned Parenthood, maintenance, etc.
• Collaborate with orientation staff on first year and transfer student opening week activities
• Budget and allocate money used for residence hall and floor events
CAMPUS INVOLVEMENT
Resident Advisor, Lewis & Clark College Campus Living 2015 – 2017
• Served as a mentor and advisor for 18 first year students, while enforcing Campus Living policies
• Worked with other resident assistants to develop a successful hall community
• Utilized organizational and public speaking skills to create and present hall programs to educate residents
about critical issues
• Developed mediation and conflict resolution skills