Abstract: The subject of this research is the work values of students of higher and specializes secondary educational establishments in Vladimir city, and their impact upon the potential economic behavior of youth. Online questionnaire-based survey of the students of a regional center, conducted via clusters election in accordance with quota sampling, comprised the empirical base for this research. Special attention is paid to the priority spheres of employment, students’ representation on worthy pay rate, impact of the type of work motivation upon the choice of the key life aspirations of young people. The main conclusion of the conducted research consists in the statement that the achievable orientations prevail within the work values of students. Young people are targeted towards high salary, career growth, and professional fulfillment. For increasing the level of personal wellbeing, they are willing to work harder. The presence of favorable conditions at work, as well as job in their degree field, are the secondary factors. Entrepreneurship, work in government authorities and administration, and enforcement agencies are the preferred spheres of activity. The authors’ special contribution consists in determination of the dependence between different type of motivation and work values of the youth.