A study attempted to discover the significance of the early post-graduate career pattern on later career outcomes for women at varying points in their life course. Data were from a national sample of United States graduates of four-year colleges and universities at five points in time from their graduation in spring, 1961 until 7 years later. Early career patterns were studied in relation to changing marital and fertility statuses and in relation to long-range career activities, attainments, and family formation characteristics at a later time. Interaction of the career pattern and marital/fertility status was shown to be contingent on earlier career preferences and affected attitudes toward employment subsequently. The career preferences suggested the type of meshing between career and family roles that women desired (to pursue only a career, exclusive of housewifery, or vice versa). A close relationship was shown between the timing of the birth of the oldest child and career patterns. A cumulative impact of earlier patterns and interactions of career and family situations on later career outcomes was also indicated. Strong evidence suggested that post-graduate work experiences (or lack of them) were predictive of later career, marriage, and fertility statuses. (Data tables are appended.) (YLB)