If you’ve ever heard someone casually say, “Oh, getting a job on campus is so easy!”— well, that’s cute. They’re probably one of the lucky few who clicked submit on their application and magically got hired within an hour. But for the rest of us mere mortals, securing a campus job is a little more… involved.
Bucknell’s Bison@Work system paints a picture where all you have to do is upload your resume, list your qualifications and plug in your availability and bam! Job landed. But in reality, this is just the start of your adventure. First, there’s the waiting. And then more waiting. And at some point, you’ll be questioning whether your application even made it through the digital void. Maybe they’re just really busy, maybe they haven’t gotten to it yet— either way, your fate is hanging by a thread. Here’s the deal: if you don’t check back, you’re basically invisible.
So, sure, you hit submit—but now you need to chase that dream. Don’t just sit there praying for an email. You’ve got to make sure they remember who you are. Send follow-up emails, pop into their office (not in a stalkerish way, obviously) and make your name stick. If you think applying and crossing your fingers is enough, well, good luck to you. You’re about to find out how not simple the process really is.
The Best Time to Apply
Let’s talk timing because, honestly, that’s the secret sauce. If you want to get noticed, apply right before a new semester or at the end of the last one. These are the golden windows when jobs flood in, employers are actively hunting and competition isn’t crazy intense yet. Get in during these prime times and you’ve got a much better chance of standing out. Wait too long, though and all the good gigs are probably already filled and you’re left fighting for leftovers.
The Myth of the “Perfect” Job
Dreaming of the perfect job? You know, the one that’s flexible, fits your major, aligns with your skills and gives you all the feels? That’s adorable. But here’s the harsh reality: the best jobs often come with long lists of requirements, crazy competition and a whole lot of waiting. Just because you’re a great candidate doesn’t mean you’ll get it.
Trust me, I’ve been there. For most of the last two semesters, I lived in the library, thinking, “What better place to work? It’s right here!” I applied, I followed up and I convinced myself I was destined for all those library jobs. And guess what? I got jobs elsewhere, but never in the library. Maybe it just wasn’t in the stars— or my paycheck. The point is, don’t stress if your dream job doesn’t work out. Something will eventually.
Rejection Is Fine— It’s Not About You
Eventually, you’ll get that dreaded email that says, “We regret to inform you…” and it’ll sting. But here’s the golden nugget of wisdom I learned: it’s not that you weren’t good enough— it’s that you didn’t fit what they needed at that specific moment. Every job is looking for something different and you’re competing with people from all class years who bring different skills and experiences to the table. It’s not personal. Sometimes it’s about timing. Other times, it’s about a skill you didn’t even know they needed. And sometimes? It’s just bad luck. But the key is to keep applying because every no brings you closer to a yes.
Most Bucknellians Get Jobs— So Don’t Panic
If you’re getting stressed out, stop. Two in every five Bucknellians have at least one job. So, yeah, there’s plenty of opportunity. Even if your first few tries don’t pan out, you’ll find something that works. It might not be the job you thought you wanted, but it’ll be something that fits—and that’s what matters.
The Best Part? You Actually Get Paid
Once you finally score that job, all the frustration melts away. You clock in, you log hours and you get paid. Sure, taxes will take their cut and you’ll probably end up with less than you hoped, but hey— you’re getting paid. And that’s a win in any book.
Final Thoughts: Just Keep Going
Getting a job on campus isn’t exactly a walk in the park, but it’s far from impossible. The secret is timing, persistence and following through. Apply at the right time, don’t assume silence means rejection and keep grinding. You’ll get there eventually. And when you do, you’ll know it was totally worth the effort.
