The Virtual Job Experience (VJE) is an interactive computer job simulation that allows learners to sample an occupation's actual tasks realistically. The effect of the VJE experience on students' career perceptions, explorations, and aspirations was examined in a study of 94 high school students enrolled in 3 summer school classes. Students were randomly assigned to different-sized groups that were in turn assigned to work with one of the following materials: (1) the VJE CD-ROM, which begins on the first day of a new job and requires users to carry out an important responsibility and make decisions in a team environment that result in realistic consequences; (2) an alternative commercially available interactive multimedia CD-ROM with career exploration video segments (called Moving on Up); and (3) a workbook describing the occupation of an advertising account executive. The students completed questionnaires before and after using the materials. On average, the VJE produced a 5-point increase in students' desire to work as advertising account executives, whereas the workbook produced a 6-point decrease. However, the differences varied depending on the size of the groups in which students worked. Students who used the VJE also manifested greater self-efficacy in dealing with the advertising industry. (MN)