Researchers conducted focus group interviews with 54 undergraduate university students majoring in computer science (CS), computer engineering (CE), and information technology and informatics (ITI) to determine why students choose a particular information technology (IT) related major and an IT career. Results suggest that students in the study who chose IT majors and careers were influenced by positive experiences in high school, interest in computing, an aptitude for math and physics, perceived job prestige, the expectation of a good salary, the encouragement of family members, and the influence of a key individual such as a teacher or work supervisor. In the interviews, students also expressed opinions related to the job market, prospective salaries, career obstacles and rewards. This research is significant because results can possibly influence the recruitment, retention, and career preparation of potential IT workers, an employment sector that has a shortage of qualified, well-educated employees.