Let me start this post off by stating that I am in no way against Residence Life, nor do I have an issue with those in Residence Life (Res Lifers).
Coming into this program, I knew that my ultimate goal was to positively impact the lives of students of color in ways that the classroom often does not do. I wanted, and still want, to create future leaders out of those students, because that is what student affairs practitioners did for me. I’m glad to say that being in this Student Affairs program has done nothing but affirm that. Not only do I know what I want to do, but I have a pretty good idea as to how I want to do it. I will spare you with details of my career plans, but one thing is for certain… that plan does NOT include Residence Life. Don’t get me wrong, if the right Residence Life position presented itself I would apply (I’m not dumb), but at the same time, I’m not actively pursuing Res Life positions and I think that is ok.
This brings me to this weeks Is U Serious moment…
I had a conversation this week with someone who insisted that the next step after graduating from this program is, without a doubt, Residence Life.
IS YOU SERIOUS?!?!
I am not interested in Residence Life for a few reasons: 1) I love what I do, and I am down for the occasional late night, but I am not ok with not being able to retreat. Can’t really go home when home is work. 2) I did not care for living in the Residence Halls as an undergrad, and I don’t foresee myself caring for it now. 3) Res Life simply is not my passion. I realize that I can take the skills that I learn from Res Life just about anywhere in Student Affairs, but I have skills now that can get me in the door in a Multicultural Affairs or Greek Affairs position (things that i AM interested in) without having to go through Res Life to get there.
So why is everyone insisting that res life is the next step? Simple… because that’s what they did. I realize that amount of Hall Director positions that are/will be available is insurmountably abundant. I also realize that I am about to be a poor graduate, and in no position to turn down a position. With that being said, I am not saying that I will not be in res life at some point in my life, perhaps even immediately. All I’m saying is that the road to student affairs is nonexistent. Some practitioners knew they were going into res life, and some didn’t. Some got their Master’s Degree in Higher Education, and some did not. Some practitioners moved up the ranks, and some started in senior positions. Some stick with the practitioner thing, and others go the faculty route. There is not one right away to get into the field, and I’m not going to let someone tell me that just because they went into res life after grad school that I need to as well.
Now, if you just so happen to see Multicultural Affairs, Greek Affairs, Student Activities, and yes even Res Life openings in and/or around the NYC area, feel free to shoot them my way. For the record, if I do end up with a Res Life position, I will most certainly be referring to my place as a downtown loft! 
Nate-
I love this blog! I too have been faced with this challenge a couple of times in our program. I don’t think there is anything wrong with knowing what you want and going for it! I’m glad to see your more open to the possibility then I am because I can safely say I will not even be applying to res life positions. Not because I can’t see the value in them but because it is not something I’m passionate about! I have resorted to the answer love what you do and you’ll never work a day in your life so why not chase what you know you love!!
I totally agree with you. I too have heard the many comments and suggestions that infer our lives as student affairs professionals will only amount to something if we experience residence life. I do think it would be a wonderful experience but you really have to want it. I do not believe it is one of those jobs you can settle for until something you desire comes along. Why do I think this way? Well, because we all want to impact students lives in different ways and if you are not intentional about it most likely you are not giving the job (i.e. the students) what they deserve from someone in such a position. I also think that there are so many positions in residence life because universities and staff members within them are still unable to grasp the impact students affairs professionals have outside of residence life. Not to bash anyones dreams of residence life (because or influence is still needed) but for those of us wanting to break the stereotypical assumptions of what students affairs is we need to set new and endless goals for the profession. We are needed in every department, office, organization, and committee if holistic student development is to be achieved.
I think everybody says that because there are so many entry level ResLife positions. When I went to TPE last year, the majority of job postings were in Residence Life. I think if you are more open to….adventure (read: moving somewhere you never dreamed you’d be living) you will have an easier time finding a job in the functional area you want to work in. Also, look online for job conferences SPECIFICALLY for multicultural affairs or Greek affairs (if you find a Greek affairs one, let me know!). Additionally, ask people you know in those areas how they found their jobs. They might be able to tell you about openings at other schools. Good luck with the search!
First of all, I hear the entire blog in your voice while reading – IS U SERIOUS? – love it. Second, I certainly relate to where you are with your search. Having an ideal location has been stressing me out on top of the “We’re all going to be Hall Directors” idea. However, the institution that ends up hiring you in whatever position you find is going to be very lucky. Your passion to positively impact students is sooo evident! So I hope you don’t settle when it comes to your first position, but either way you are going to make a great impact!
Onathan,
I just love this. I was very similar in thinking with you until just recently. I was actually anti-res life…”I’m NOT doing res life!” But after experiencing it through SAS and a practicum, I definitely think I can handle it. I’m happy that you’re doing what is good for you, though. Sometimes I ask multiple people for advice, because I don’t know if others really consider what is going to be best for ME or if they are telling me how THEY should have done it. I still have my doubts about being able to “shut off” in my work/living environment, but I guess only time will tell how I handle it. Ha. Thank you for sharing your opinion–you’re definitely not alone, friend : )
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Res life is scary to me for many of the same reasons of needing a place to retreat… but here I am pursuing res life hard core! There are some res life jobs in which you can have a collateral in another office. Perhaps that could be more fulfilling for you. Also, res life jobs in NYC require you to participate in the hunger games hunty!!! Everyone wants them
Nathan – there are many ways to enter student affairs. Res. life is not it for everyone. Be patient and you will find something in the areas in which you ARE interested.