This article is devoted to study the problem of social security of graduates of educational institutions in the conditions of labor market and self-realization. The comparison was carried out in psychological structure of initiative and persistence, identification of specifics of their individual and typical combinations in the ratio to career orientations of students. The comparative empirical research of persistence, initiative and career orientations of students is conducted in line with the systemic-functional approach of Krupnov. It is established in general and specific psychological structure of persistence and initiative as multivariate and functional traits of character based on quantitative analysis, correlation and factorial analysis. It is proved that in psychological structures of persistence and initiative, the similarity is caused by both qualities, the strong-willed sphere of the personality and the distinctions connected with psychological specifics of these qualities. © 2018 International Strategic Management Association. All Rights Reserved.