Charlie Gates' journey with Housing and Residence Life (HRL) is a testament to the lasting impact of on-campus leadership roles. Starting as a resident assistant at Ball Residence Hall during her senior year, Charlie later took on multiple roles at North Hall, including desk assistant, desk manager and desk and conference manager. Embracing each opportunity, Charlie developed skills that would later prove invaluable in an entirely different field — forensic science.
A multifaceted housing experience
Charlie's involvement with HRL extended beyond just one role. Over time, she gained experience in all four residence halls, giving her a well-rounded perspective on Housing operations and student engagement. From managing desks to coordinating conferences, Charlie’s journey through various leadership positions showcased her commitment to making a difference in the residential community.
Building leadership and problem-solving skills
Reflecting on her experience, Charlie identifies critical thinking and problem-solving as the most valuable skills gained. "Every day at work was different and exciting," Charlie shares. “There were always new situations and challenges to navigate, which provided many opportunities to learn and grow."
One of the most challenging situations Charlie encountered happened during a large student conference move-in at North Hall. Many attendees faced keycard assignment issues and tensions ran high. By working efficiently and keeping detailed records, Charlie and her team ensured a smooth resolution, demonstrating her ability to adapt under pressure and maintain excellent customer service.
Communication and teamwork: Essential skills for any career
Housing also played a crucial role in strengthening Charlie’s leadership and teamwork abilities.
"I enjoyed working alongside talented individuals and seeing everyone’s unique strengths shine in a group effort," Charlie recalls. Her time in HRL emphasized the importance of clear and respectful communication, especially in high-pressure situations where quick problem-solving was required.
These communication skills have carried over to Charlie’s current role as a forensic scientist for the Indiana State Police. Surprisingly, she finds herself frequently giving lab tours and presentations to high school and college students, an experience that closely mirrors facility tours and informational sessions she led while working for HRL.
Advice for current housing staff
For students currently working in Housing, Charlie offers valuable advice: "Take on extra responsibilities, find out your strengths and grow from your mistakes. It’s worth it."
She emphasizes the importance of seeking professional development opportunities that align with career goals and leveraging Housing experiences in job interviews.
"You’ll often be asked ‘Tell me a time when…’ questions, and thanks to Housing, I always have an answer."
Bridging the gap between housing and the workplace
Charlie credits her work experience with HRL in helping her transition into her current career. "Working for Housing made me a significantly better leader, communicator and problem-solver," she reflects.
Charlie’s journey is a powerful example of how campus leadership roles at IU Indianapolis prepare students for diverse and unexpected career paths. Her story highlights the transferable skills that HRL cultivates — ones that extend far beyond campus and into the professional world.