Although motives vary, most VISTA Volunteers bring with them a service orientation and a genuine desire to work with people. But few enter with any prior experience in the social welfare field or any clear picture of the particular nature of the helping role. The majority of Volunteers are at a turning point in their development as they leave the student culture and move out into the adult world of work. It is not surprising therefore that the VISTA experience should have profound effects on them personally and on their career aspirations. This research project studies a group of VISTA Volunteers who worked among the urban poor from 1966 to 1968, analyzing aspects of their adjustment to agency, job, and life in the neighborhood with the poor. This report discusses the impact of VISTA service on career choices. The findings indicate that one year of VISTA service acts to clarify goals, narrow vocational choices, and transform a generalized interest in service into specific commitment to the human service professions, particularly social work and education. (For other reports, see AC 002 352, AC 006 640, and AC 006 641.) (MF)