A Resident Director at a college typically has an apartment inside of a dormitory. The Resident Director, or RD, is responsible for the overall well being of the students housed in the dorm. The RD is also usually responsible for hiring, training and overseeing Resident Assistants or RAs. Most colleges hire graduate students to work as RDs, but being a graduate student is not always a requirement.
Instructions
1. Get involved with extracurricular activities starting your freshman year of college. It is not too early to start building your resume for applying for a Resident Director position. A strong RD applicant will show a well rounded student activities involvement.
2. Develop and display leadership skills. A college dormitory Resident Director needs to be a strong leader. Hold positions in the clubs and organizations that you join.
3. Be a good role model. In addition to developing a strong, well rounded activities background you want to keep your grades up throughout your undergraduate years. Stay out of trouble and be known on campus for only your good deeds.
4. Start as a Resident Assistant. This will vary from one college to another, but in general most will want their Resident Directors to have one or two years experience as a Resident Assistant first. At most colleges you can apply for a Resident Assistant position at the end of your sophomore year for the coming year. It is best if you serve as an RA during both your junior and senior years of college.
5. Apply for a Resident Director position during your senior year for the following year. If you have built your resume and served the college well as a Resident Assistant, chances are good you will get that RD job.
