Staff shortages and increasing workload raises concerns about maintaining breast services. Recruitment and retention of radiographic staff is vital. We explore views of UK undergraduate radiography students and breast radiographers to gauge how training experiences influenced their career choices on graduation. Two questionnaires were distributed on line, one to female final year undergraduate radiography students, the second to screening and symptomatic breast units, targeting radiographers in post ≤10yrs. There were 133 student and 126 radiographer responses for analysis. Sixty nine per cent of student respondents were ≤25 yrs. Over 40% of radiographer respondents were ≥36 yrs Seventy five per cent of students and 70% of radiographers had a practice placement in breast imaging (BI), many commenting this should include positioning technique. Experiences during placement were more influential than academic content for career planning. Seventy per cent of students and 50% of radiographers felt BI suitable as a first post. Negative influences came from higher education institution staff and qualified radiographers. Ninety per cent of students intended working in general radiography first, 47% considering BI in future. Sixty nine per cent of radiographers did not choose BI for their first post. Interest and career progression influenced radiographers choosing to subsequently train in mammography. Most respondents took a non BI post first with later attractions into BI including interest and career progression. Practice placement was the most influential aspect of training for both groups citing a need for 'hands on' experience and positive engagement from mammographers. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2019 The College of Radiographers. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.]