Career Services released the results of its three-month-out survey of the Class of 2011, which details the class' post- graduate activities. Of the 88 percent of graduates who responded, 992 of the 1127 class members, 95 percent, reported using Career Services.

The percent of Elon students using Career Services is reportedly higher than the national average of 73 percent utilization, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). While students use services such as appointments, career and graduate school fairs and workshops, faculty and graduates acknowledge student efforts still necessary to acheive success.

"We're seeing more top name employers hiring better students," said Arli Eicher, recruiting and event coordinator for the employer relations team. "This reflects the high caliber of students because of their high rate of employment with good employers. Companies are impressed. Some companies have told us, 'These are our best new hires.'"

Although a larger percentage of Elon students reported using Career Services, graduates do not attribute their success to the university department.

Career Services is meant to complement students, said Josh Norris, Class of 2011 graduate who works for Rotoworld.com and is covering two college football all- star games for the website this month.

"Career Services is not going to find you a job or an internship," Norris said. "You have to put in more work than them. Elon students are self-motivated. They have to be to get internships and jobs. Career Services points them in the right direction."

Norris said he developed a close relationship with Ross Wade, assistant director of career services for Elon's School of Communications, which helped him "get away from being just a cover letter."

Steve Ferguson, another recent grad, said he has kept in close contact with Rene Jackson, Career Services' career adviser for graduate school programs since graduating in May. Ferguson is currently a student in the University of Notre Dame's Alliance of Catholic Educators master's program.

"Career Services was most helpful to me based on their level of personal connection with me," Ferguson said.

The three-month-out survey, the most recent of the three surveys distributed by career services, is in its second year. Tom Vecchione, executive director of Career Services, said that the number of students responding has increased in this year's survey, but Jackson said it is difficult to get the exact numbers if students don't report their activities back to career services.

"We would love to know what graduates are doing, what kind of jobs they are getting, but we can't if they don't get back to us," Jackson said.

But Vecchione said he is pleased with the results Career Services received.

"Elon students are in a good position even in this difficult economy," Vecchione said. "Students are well-prepared to leave Elon and make an impact on their communities. Our students are valued. "It's clear from where they're landing."