The effect of limited faculty openings in high-ranked science departments on the self-esteem of graduates of prestigious research institutions was studied. Attention was also focused on the faculty productivity and participation in professional networks of these highly-qualified, new faculty who failed to secure an appointment in an elite institution. A total of 384 young, male scientists were studied, based on data obtained from the American Council on Education. To indicate self-perceived success, the respondent rated his own level of success relative to other male scientists with similar backgrounds. Measures of productivity and participation in networks were also evaluated using path analysis. Self-perceived success was more closely related to journal article productivity than to any other variables examined, with the exception of professorial rank and years of experience. Although data limitations preclude causal linking of self-esteem and networking with proposal writing and grant getting, it is suggested that the relationships are strong ones. It is concluded that young, highly-skilled academic scientists who find themselves removed, due to intense job competition, from the prestigious research centers should be aware that linkages with other scientists are essential to productivity and to self-esteem. (SW)