Created by Beau Frigault, Residence Manager, McMaster University for Residence Life Staff PPDP

1. My CA Skills Are Useful Everywhere!

2. Objectives
 1. Learn what skills acquired from being on
RLS are applicable outside of the role.
 2. Understand that the skills learned on
RLS are what employers/professional
schools/volunteer positions are looking for.
 3. Develop the ability to showcase those
skills in order to obtain other opportunities.
 4. Appreciate the professional growth being
on RLS has provided.

3. Outline
 What are they looking for?
 What did you do as a CA?
 What about RLS as a profession?
 What about my cover letter/resume?

4. What are they looking for?

5. What are they looking for?
- Professional Schools
 Basically, they want everything.
Communication Skills Balance
Commitment to learning Stress management
Motivation Creativity
Interpersonal skills Empathy
Leadership Teamwork
Critical Thinking Time management
Intrapersonal skills Good Academic Standing
- Purdue University

6. What are they looking for?
- Employers
Skills Values
Communication Skills Dedication
Teamwork Reliability
Interpersonal Skills Positive Attitude
Multicultural Awareness Professionalism
Problem Solving Self – Confidence
Planning/Organizing Self – Motivation
- Hansen & Hansen (2011)

7. What are they looking for?
- Volunteer Organizations
 Patience
 Flexibility
 Initiative
 Commitment
 Passion
 Open-mindedness
 Professionalism
 Introspection

8. What did you as a CA?
 Things to consider:
 Coverage
 Community development
 Programming
 Student Conduct and Follow-up
 August Training/January Revival/PPDP
 Staff Development

9. What about RLS as a
profession?
 Being a CA can be a starting point to a
career in residence life!
 There are varying levels of positions:
 Student Internship – Entry Level
 Entry Level (Student Affairs/Residence Life)
 Mid – Level
 Mid/Upper Level

10. Student Internship – Entry
Level
Position Type Student Internship - Entry-level, Residence Life
Positions Residence Coordinator (UBC), Assistant Residence Life Manager
(Guelph), Community Coordinator (Waterloo)
Starting $11,000 - $20,000Stipend
*Must still be a student (one course) except for Waterloo position
Qualifications No residence life experience necessary

11. Entry Level – Residence
Life
Position Type Entry-level, Residence Life
Positions Residence Manager (UWO, Windsor, McMaster), Residence Life
Manager (UBC, Guelph), Residence Life Coordinator (Calgary,
Toronto, Brock), Residence Life Area Coordinator (WLU)
Starting $35,000 - $50,000
*Most typical is between $38,000 - $45,000
*There is a big variation depending on location and institution.
Qualifications A university degree; a minimum of two years’ experience living and
working within a residence system; etc.

12. Entry Level – Student Affairs
Position Type Entry-level, Student Affairs
Positions Titles and positions vary across . However, many jobs exist within
Student Life, Career Services, Academic Advising, Recruiting, Athletics
and Recreation, etc.
Starting $35,000 - $45,000
Qualifications A university degree; student leadership experience.

13. Mid Level – Residence Life
Position Type Mid-level, Specialized portfolio in Residence Life
Positions Community Standards Manager, Residence Judicial Officer (, Queens,
Mac), Training and Development Coordinator/Manager, (Mac, ),
Residence Programme Coordinator ()
Starting $40,000 - $55,000
*There is a big variation depending on location and institution.
Qualifications Graduate degree preferred, 3-5 years of professional experience.
*These positions are very difficult to come by. They are often live-out
positions and have a lot of competition when they become available

14. Mid/Upper Level – Residence Life
Position Type Mid/Upper-level, Residence Life (supervising RLMs, etc.)
Positions Manager, Residence Life (Brock), Assistant Director, Residence Life (, ,
UWO, UBC, etc.), Department Head, Residence Life ()
Starting $50,000 - $60,000
*There is a big variation depending on location and institution.
Qualifications Graduate degree, minimum 5-7 years of professional experience in
student affairs working in positions with increasing levels of
responsibility.
*These positions are very difficult to come by. They are live-out
positions and have a lot of competition when they become available.

15. What about my cover
letter/resume?
 The cover letter
 Purpose
○ State the reason why you’re applying
○ Explain how you heard about the position
○ Calls attention to the highlights of your
background
○ Provides additional information
○ Is the first impression!!!

16. Cover Letter

17. Resume

18. Resume

19. Interview
 Top tips for a good interview:
1. Research beforehand
2. Practice makes perfect
3. Behaviour-based answers
4. Arrive early
5. Always ask questions
6. Be yourself

21. Questions?