Colleges must revamp the career services they offer students, according to a new Gallup study produced in conjunction with Purdue University.

Although more than half of college graduates surveyed reported visiting their school’s career services office at least once, only 16 percent said the trip was helpful.

“Although recent graduates are more likely than graduates from prior decades to have visited the career center, they are no more likely to report that their interactions were very helpful or helpful than are graduates from previous decades,” report authors note.

The finding highlights the need for change, said Brandon Busteed, executive director of education and workforce development at Gallup.

One possible reform? Get students involved in career exploration earlier.

“Why not have career-service advice and counseling during freshman orientation? Before they even arrive,” Busteed told NPR. “If it’s the kind of thing you only visit your junior or senior year, that’s probably not sufficient.”

Additional report findings support the need for restructuring college career services.

Gallup found that only one in 10 US business leaders feel strongly that a college education alone equips graduates with the skills they need to succeed on the job.

Download the full report and read more about the role career exploration plays in post-college success.

Admitted writer/editor Mary Stegmeir welcomes additional comments and story ideas at mstegmeir@nacacnet.org.