Introduction: Career choice is a decisive moment in the life of every student and is the result of a process of self-discovery where different variables intervene.

Objective: To describe the reasons that led Chilean students to choose midwifery as a career.

Method: Exploratory study with a qualitative approach, including first and second year students of midwifery at a Chilean university. The sampling was non-probabilistic by convenience. Data collection was carried out by means of semi-structured interviews during the first semester of studies, for a period of 60 days. The data were analyzed following Braun and Clarke's six stages of thematic content analysis, generating themes and sub-themes. A checklist of consolidated criteria for qualitative studies was used for greater rigor. 

Results: A total of 48 interviews were conducted, 100% were female and the average age was 19.8 years. After the thematic content analysis, driven by the theory, it was revealed that the motives that guided the career choice are grouped in the themes; vocational, contextual factors and achievement expectations.

Conclusions: Students who opt for a career in midwifery are mostly women with a vocation for service, partially influenced by their close socio-environmental surroundings and with aspirations to achieve success, both personally and professionally.