This investigation examined in two different samples, whether only children differ significantly from firstborn and later-born children in terms of their vocational personality type as described in Holland's RIASEC model, occupational interests, and work values. Literature on family configuration and vocational behavior is reviewed, and current theories relating career and family variables are discussed. Study 1 (medical students) examined the effects of birth order on vocational interest patterns and work values. ANOVA results indicated significant differences among three birth-order groups derived from a medical student sample in their vocational personality types, occupational interests, and work values. Support for birth-order differences in vocational type within a college student sample using ANOVA procedures failed to emerge in Study 2 (of college students), although some additional support was found for differences in occupational interests among the three birth-order groups. Findings from the two studies are related to each other and limitations are discussed. Research and counseling implications are addressed. (EMK)