This study found that 55% of journalism and mass communication educators first considered college teaching while in college or within 5 years after graduating from college, while 40% did not until more than 5 years after college. Two important factors in their career decisions included a personal influence (i.e., a mentor) and media experience, particularly student publications. The findings fit Holland's theory of career development and other literature. Open-ended responses resulted in rich and heartfelt comments about teaching careers in journalism and mass communication. (Contains 23 references and 2 tables of data. Appendixes contain a "Map of Occupation According to Prestige and Sextype Ratings" from "Career Choice and Development" (Jossey Bass, 1996) and the survey instrument. (Author/RS)