As the end of the academic school year approaches, many college seniors are turning their attention to their first "real" job. A new study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) shows that seniors can get job-search assistance right on their college campus through their campus career center.

More than 97 percent of the career center professionals responding to NACE's 2005 Career Services Benchmark Survey for Four-Year Colleges and Universities indicated that they offer career counseling; more than 94 percent provide workshops related to the job search, such as interview preparation and resume writing; and more than 93 percent sponsor career fairs to help their students connect with potential employers.

"The typical campus career center offers an assortment of services to help the graduating senior conduct a successful job search," says Marilyn Mackes, NACE executive director.

Moreover, in most cases, the assistance is free to students. None of the respondents reported charging students for career counseling appointments; less than 1 percent reported charging for access to job listings; and just 1.1 percent reported levying fees for taking part in workshops. Similarly, only a handful reported that they charge students for resume referral services.

According to Mackes, many career centers also try to keep parents in the loop by letting them know what job-search services are available to their student. Nearly 40 percent of respondents reported that they reach out to parents with career and job-search information tailored to them.

"Many career centers have found that parents are great advocates and will get students into the career center to use the services," she explains.

In addition, most career centers—96.3 percent—reported that they extend services to job-seeking alumni. Career counseling and access to job listings were the most popular offerings, and most centers reported that they are offered free to alumni.

"The bottom line is, whether you are about to graduate, have already graduated, or are a parent of a job seeker, start first with your campus career center for career and job-search help," says Mackes.

About NACE's 2005 Career Services Benchmark Survey for Four-Year Colleges and Universities: The survey was distributed to 1,440 four-year colleges and universities that hold membership in the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Data were collected from July 26 through September 9, 2005. Responses were received from 549 schools, for a response rate of 38.1 percent.

About NACE: Since 1956, the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) has been the leading source of information about the college job market. NACE maintains a virtual press room for the media. NACE is headquartered in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.