In order to explore the occupational orientation of English major studentsof higher vocational colleges,218 students were surveyed with The Self Directed Search(SDS) by John Holland. The results show as follows:1 .students prefer social and regular type of career; 2. the occupational interest,aptitude and preference of students are inconsistent;3 .students of business English,tourism English and secretarial English,either from urban or rural areas,don't differ in their occupational orientation,but factors like gender and grade influence the occupational orientation significantly. The study concludes that the occupational orientation of English major students agrees with the objectives of personnel cultivation in higher vocational education. However, the range of their career choices is limited and they display low achievement motivation and ability evaluation.