Numerous cognitive psychologists have validated the hypothesis, originally advanced by the Russian physician, A. Luria, that different individuals process information in two distinctly different manners: simultaneously and sequentially. The importance of recognizing the existence of these two distinct styles of processing information and selecting a career suitable to one's method of processing information is illustrated by the cases of two sequential information processors who participated in training programs for nuclear power plant operators. Although both men handled serially ordered tasks very well, neither was capable of comprehending the overall structure of related tasks. Because both training programs in which the men were involved were designed for simultaneous information processors, each man failed his respective training course. One of the men chose a new career that was suitable for sequential information processors and went on to become a respected contributor in reactor engineering for a nuclear steam supplier. The other man eventually managed to obtain certification as a nuclear power plant operator by enrolling in a different training program; however, his inability to process information simultaneously eventually led to failure as a nuclear power plant operator and loss of his nuclear license. (Contains 11 references.) (MN)