Complete career patterns for a sample of immigrant men were studied to determine what factors influenced occupational decisions and the type and status of the jobs which the men obtained. A sample of 202 Polish, Italian, and other immigrant men in Rome, New York, provided three groups for comparison. Residential and occupational information were obtained from city directories and school attendance records of their children. Occupational titles were standardized into four categories: unskilled; operator, clerical and sales; craftsmen and foremen; and professional and managerial. Data indicate significant residential segregation by ethnic group; none of the immigrant fathers held professional jobs, although small percentages were store managers; Italian children remained in school for the shortest amount of time, yet obtained higher job status than did Poles; and career growth often came through midcareer job changes. These findings suggest that traditional career education job models, which show a long period of development in one job, are not appropriate for immigrant children. Also, additional scholarship funds should be available for adults to return to school for further training or education. (Author/AV)