With only 52 positions available, getting hired as a resident assistant is one of the most competitive jobs on campus.
According to assistant housing director Elson Browne, 167 students have applied for next year, which is about a 23 percent increase from last year’s 135 applicants.
Many first time RAs, like journalism major Kyle Ramos, said that it is very competitive to get a spot. Ramos said he decided to become an RA because he felt like it would be a great way to get involved in the campus community and enhance his own college experience.
“Being an RA really gives you a different perspective on living in the residence halls,” Ramos said. “I highly recommend it to anyone interested.”
In order to qualify to become an RA, students must have at least a 2.5 GPA or above at the university level, at least two semesters of residence hall living experience, and be good role models with recently demonstrated leadership ability.
Senior industrial design major Aaron Wong is currently an RA at Parkside Commons.
“I wanted to become an RA to be able to use my experiences to help kids find their passion, and to also help them with the transition from high school to college,” Wong said.
Wong also mentioned that half of the current RAs reapply for their jobs, making it even harder for new applicants to get a spot.
“If you do apply, do it for the passion because it is a really rewarding experience; it’s more than just free room and board,” Wong added.
Although applications are no longer being accepted, Browne said that new applicants must attend an orientation, meet with coordinators to get information about the job, and finally schedule an interview that consists of a panel of four coordinators.
Darian Tabares, a pre-nursing major, is also a first time resident assistant.
She said she was inspired by her RA to apply for a position and plans to re-apply for a spot next year as well.
“Coordinators say that, during RA applications, they are watching you,” Tabares said. “So if you are planning to apply, don’t do anything against housing policy.”