This investigation examines the career development of a sample of engineers from pre-degree to, in many cases, post-chartered status. Their personal and academic characteristics are evaluated and linked to their effectiveness as professional engineers, as measured by salary rewards. Although these personal and academic factors are commonly believed to be an important component of industrial effectiveness and a valid predictor of future performance, they appear to have only a marginal influence and questionable value as predictive mechanisms. None the less, the study gives insight into the personal motivations and aspirations of engineering graduates and makes a number of recommendations for educationalists. Whenever possible, the findings of this study are compared with those of other authors.