Using data from the National Longitudinal Study of the Class of 1972, a study examined individual and environmental characteristics which predicted occupational turnover in the three-year period after college graduation. Discriminant analysis was used to distinguish determinants of persistence in six occupations. Three were considered to be in the organizational/social realm (teaching, nursing, and social work), and three in the technological realm (computer science, engineering, and accounting). Individual characteristics were found to be most significant in differentiating between groups of persisters and dropouts in social service occupations, while external variables were most significant in determining turnover for the technical professions. Significant differences in turnover were found among the occupational groups. Teachers were found to differ significantly from other occupations on all variables in relationship to turnover. Theoretical and policy implications are discussed. (Author/JD)