1. The study examined career center directors' and staff's perceptions of characteristics related to decision making about student interaction management systems. Interviews were conducted with 10 women and 9 men involved in a project to create a placement-related student interaction system. 2. Data analysis identified 5 main themes - customer behavior/needs, the director's role, processes and change, infrastructure including autonomy, resources and tools, and recommendations. 3. The findings showed that strong leadership, strategic planning focused on customer needs, and a supportive infrastructure are needed to make positive technology decisions. Career center professionals should gain technology decision making skills through various individual and collaborative activities.