Oh, hey! Welcome to the Community.
You’ve heard the terms, you’ve practiced the skills – now you wait. You’ll sit in your room, door open, waiting for a resident to come and confide in you. You’ll wait for your duty partner to swing by before your second set of rounds. What if I told you that you didn’t have to wait? Put your newfound skills to use immediately!
I have had multiple employers tell me that when they see “RA” on a resume, they immediately put that applicant through to the interview pool, even if the job is not in higher education. The street cred is similar to that of McDonalds or lifeguarding. But why? Because the skills that your ResLife team taught you in training will not only make you a more successful RA, they will make you a better human.
Top 5 ways to use your RA skills in real-world situations:
Session: Assertiveness training
Lesson: Always carry a pen
Where does it apply? Interviews, when you’re talking to your parents, when you talk to your boss, when you’re nervous about a conversation
You appear more confident when you’re not fidgeting with your hands. This applies to all facets of life. Whether you’re having a difficult conversation with your supervisor, presenting in front of your class, or answering questions in an interview, the pen gives you power! The best part is that it’s such a common item, no one will question why you’re holding it.
Session: Duty night scheduling
Lesson: Plan ahead and show compassion
Where does it apply? Booking vacation time at work, making plans with friends
If you work in a place where you are required to stay in and around the residence halls, you learn how to say no to your friends. This skill of recognizing your boundaries and honoring your commitments can be difficult at first and will result in disappointment. That said, it will come in useful throughout your life as you become comfortable saying no to invitations that you’re not interested in.
If your schedule is based on working with a partner or team, you’re also setup for success later in life. If you choose to have children, balancing your social schedules with your partner can be one of the most difficult adjustments. Luckily, you’ll have lots of practice with this!
Session: Conduct management, assertiveness
Lesson: Broken record technique
Where does it apply? Returning items in a store, talking to children, talking to intoxicated adults, talking to teachers.
The skill to be able to repeat a statement until you get the desired result is not as easy as it seems. While often applied to intoxicated students, it also works when making returns! “I need to return these shoes” “I’m sorry, we can’t return those shoes.” “I need to return these shoes, and I believe it falls within your policy” “You don’t have a receipt, I can’t return the shoes.” “I need to return these shoes. What can you do?” “Nothing.” I need to return these shoes.” “Okay, I’ll get my manager.”
Stand your ground, and use your confidence to show that you’re not backing down. I would only use this technique in a respectful way and when you’re confident that you’re being mistreated.
Session: Peer helping and active listening
Lesson: SOLER (Square – Open – Lean in – Eye contact – Relaxed)
Where does it apply? Talking with friends, listening to clients, talking with your boss, listening to your partner.
Show your friends or partner that you care about their childhood stories or use it on your mom when she’s telling you about her trip to the gym. For the same reasons it works in peer helping situations, you’ll see that you get to the detailed and deep information more quickly when your conversation partner believes you’re genuinely interested in what they’re saying.
Session: Event Management
Lesson: Project management
Where does it apply? Party planning, office functions, project work, group projects
When it comes to planning a birthday bash or your wedding, you’ll feel like you’re just taking a walk in the park. You’ve got the tool kit in your back pocket, you’ve practiced, and you understand and are aware of the ways you deal with stress. Whether it’s a big event or a small gathering, you’ve got it covered. You’ve also mastered the art of delegation and giving up some control. Bring on the balloons!
Welcome to the community. We’re glad you’re here.
