Socio and psychological researches actualize the importance of the individual’s motivation and need sphere and the importance of career planning for the successful implementation of the professional activity. Numerous studies have established that, a choice of a professional path, made consciously, an internal professional motivation and the availability of a career plan in a constructive manner aff ect the professional activity of a specialist. The study involved men and women who are at various stages of the professional path. Gender peculiarities of professional motivation of students, as well as career orientation peculiarities of experienced specialists are established. The information obtained will help the specialists of the personnel management center to elaborate programs for the development of professional motivation and career planning, to take into account the gender specifi city of specialists and avoid professional crises.