This paper describes the results of a questionnaire survey of UK Year 3 biology undergraduates' career aspirations, and their perceptions of employment in teaching, research and conservation. Although most students sought material benefits in their potential careers, even more wished to gain job satisfaction. None of the careers in biology was perceived as well paid; research and conservation jobs were seen as offering poor promotion and pension prospects. All three careers, however, were considered by many students to provide job satisfaction, and this appears to be a major motivator in students' choice of career paths. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)