Skills Employers Love: The RL Program Advantage

I can’t think of a single skill that I gained or improved on as an RL that isn’t relevant to my job today as a teacher.

Building Leadership at Deakin Res 

One of the most valuable opportunities available to students at Deakin Res is the chance to become a Residential Leader (RL). RLs play an important role in creating a welcoming, supportive and connected community. They help residents settle in, organise events and activities, and act as approachable peer leaders within the residential environment. 

While supporting their peers, RLs also gain valuable leadership experience and develop transferable skills that employers look for, including communication, teamwork, problem-solving and confidence. The RL Program is designed to support both personal and professional growth, helping students prepare for life beyond university. 

A Program Designed for Growth 

From the very beginning, the RL Program is structured with professional development and job readiness in mind. Prospective RLs undertake a formal recruitment process similar to applying for a professional role, including submitting a resume and participating in group and individual interviews. 

Successful applicants complete extensive training before meeting their residents, with ongoing development opportunities provided throughout the year. These sessions help RLs build confidence, strengthen leadership capabilities and gain practical experience they can carry into future careers. 

For many, the impact of the program continues long after their time on Res. 

From Res to the Classroom 

Former Warrnambool resident Sheridan is a great example of how transferable the RL experience can be. 

Sheridan lived on Res from 2020 to 2023 while studying a Bachelor of Primary Teaching and spent three years working as an RL. Since graduating, she now works full time as a Prep/Foundation teacher and says the skills she developed through the RL Program continue to support her every day. 

“Communication is a huge part of my role as a teacher, obviously with the children but also with colleagues and parents,” Sheridan shared. 

“Being an RL gave me plenty of opportunities to practise communicating clearly with people of varying ages and from different backgrounds.” 

She also credits the role with strengthening her teamwork, leadership and adaptability; skills that are essential both on Res and in the workplace. 

“This year I’m working in a team of three Foundation teachers, with one of the teachers being new to our school. Being able to work well with others and feeling confident in leading others from my RL experience has helped me support the teachers that I work closely with and also learn from them.” 

“Being an RL helped me become a very organised and adaptable person. This has been super helpful, as when plans change (as they often do) I am quick to come up with solutions.” 

Building Confidence Through Leadership 

For many RLs, one of the most significant areas of growth is confidence. 

Through supporting residents, running events, navigating challenges and working within a team, RLs gain real-world leadership experience in a supportive environment. 

Sheridan says the program helped her begin to see herself as a leader. 

The RL program built up my professional confidence and helped me view myself as a leader. Seeing the difference I could make to my community by stepping up and helping out wherever I could was rewarding. It’s fuelled me to want to continue to make an impact in all that I do, at work in particular.

Sheridan

Transferable Skills That Last 

One of the unique strengths of the RL Program is how naturally the skills developed translate into future careers - no matter the industry. 

Whether students pursue careers in education, healthcare, business, community services or beyond, the ability to communicate effectively, manage competing priorities, work collaboratively and lead with empathy are consistently valued by employers. 

Reflecting on her experience, Sheridan said she was surprised by just how relevant the role remained after university. 

“I can’t think of a single skill that I gained or improved on as an RL that isn’t relevant to my job today as a teacher.” 

More Than Just a Program 

Beyond professional development, the RL program offers opportunities to build meaningful connections, contribute to the Res community and grow personally alongside peers. 

Sheridan encourages anyone considering the program to back themselves and apply. 

“I’d really like to encourage anyone who is on the fence about being an RL to give it a go!” 

“I originally thought about it but didn’t apply until I was encouraged to by one of the DRS staff members. I’m so glad they did, as being an RL was a huge part of my uni experience.” 

“If you don’t have someone encouraging you to apply but you’ve quietly been considering it - just go for it!” 

Together, Sheridan’s experience highlights what makes the RL Program so valuable. Not only does the RL program build the skills employers love - it also creates opportunities to make a meaningful impact within the Res community along the way.