Dietitians in the early establishment stage of their careers. II. Correlates of career motivation and satisfaction.

Sources of career motivation and satisfaction were studied among a national sample of dietitians in the early establishment stage of their careers. Thirty-two items were rated on importance and satisfaction. Seven importance factor scores were developed to describe aspects of career motivation: prestige, monetary reward, independence/self-sufficiency, professional challenge, self-realization, social service, and social stimulation. Professional challenge and self-realization were the factors rated highest by the young dietitians (less than 30 years old), and prestige and social stimulation were lowest in importance. Satisfaction dimensions were: professional challenge, service to others, financial, professional power, and professional stimulation. Professional challenge provided the greatest source of satisfaction, whereas financial reward was least satisfying.