A central objective of recent government reports focused on the important role of education in preparing a skilled and dynamic science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce, with effective teaching in secondary STEM classrooms reliant on the engagement and retention of high-quality STEM teachers (Office of the Chief Scientist, 2014). This study sought to explore the factors influencing pre-service secondary science teachers' decisions to pursue teaching as a career. Participants in this study were enrolled in undergraduate and postgraduate teacher education programs at a large, urban Australian university. A total of 12 pre-service teachers enrolled in a science curriculum course participated in the study. Analysis of interview data identified two key factors influencing their decisions, including their perceptions and experience in high school, and lack of opportunities in STEM-related fields. Other findings indicated participants expressed positive outlooks regarding their decisions to pursue teaching as a career, and articulated views of science and science teaching aligned with inquiry-based approaches in science education. Implications from this study suggest that, although these participants are likely to encourage students to consider teaching as a profession, they may not promote STEM-related professions as possible career paths, due to their previous experiences.