A steady decline in graduate completions and the number of students applying for agricultural programs in Australia represents a structural limitation to continued improvement in agricultural productivity. A survey of students (n = 486) enrolling in science courses at The University of Queensland was undertaken to better understand career motivations and attitudes towards agricultural careers. The cross-over between thinking about and making career decisions occurred in early secondary school with the most influential group being parents (54% of respondents) followed by workers in the field (36%).