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Salvatore Chieffo, a senior at Polytechnic University (Brooklyn, NY), entered his freshman year as a civil engineering major. As the fall semester progressed, he changed his major to computer engineering. Then, at the beginning of his sophomore year, he discovered he didn't like the computer programming aspect of engineering at all. He switched his major again -- this time to electrical engineering -- and set out to pursue a Career in wireless communications. This career would give Sal the potential to earn more money, and he thought he would really enjoy it. At the end of his sophomore year, however, he realized he still wasn't happy. He really wanted to return to his first career love: civil engineering.

"It wasn't smart [of me] to switch my major just for money," Sal explains now. "Civil engineering is where my interests lay and it's what I want to do."

Guess what? Class and career confusion like Sal's is normal. In fact, a study conducted at Penn State University cites that 80 percent of College freshmen aren't sure what they want to major in. And, over 50 percent change their majors during the course of their college careers.

Are you afraid you'll have the same stress as Sal and that 80 percent? Do you feel pressured to make a decision fast? If so, slow down, take a deep breath, and relax! The first step in this overwhelming process is to examine yourself. What are your interests? What types of careers appeal to you? What are your strengths and weaknesses?

"It's important to analyze your interests, values, and skills to make sure they align with what you [feel] you may want to go into," says Melissa Faulkner, assistant director of experiential education at Seton Hall University (South Orange, NJ).

"If making a ton of money is really important to someone -- which is OK -- it wouldn't make sense to go into social work," Faulkner explains. "On the other hand, if a student is great with numbers and gets good grades in math, he/she may want to consider a career in the Financial industry. [One's] value goes hand in hand with his/her skills and interests."

Keep in mind that choosing a major does not limit your options for different careers. Just ask Doug Fritts, director of media relations for the National Lacrosse League. Fritts studied broadcast journalism at Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY). He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1997 and began his career as a television news reporter in Utica, NY.

"After three years of low pay and lack of advancement in the industry, I used my journalism skills to go into public relations," says Fritts. "Being a journalist prepared me for a career in public relations because you're hit with professionals in the field all the time."

Do Some Interest Exploration
If the process of choosing your major becomes a stressful situation, give yourself a break. Think about professional goals and objectives that captivate you. Speak to a career or faculty advisor, professor, parent, or friend. They will be able to help you assess your skills, interests, and values. Pace yourself, too. If you can manage your patience during this process, you will see that this is the key to dealing with major stress.

During this time, increase your awareness about the academic major options offered by your college or university. Explore the different career fields that relate to different majors. And, start researching career information in the library or online.

An internship related to your career goals can also help you discover that what you thought you wanted to do is really not what you want to do at all. You may also want to register for additional courses outside your academic major to test your interest in different fields. Joining student organizations and clubs will not only help you discover your likes and dislikes, but will also help you develop your leadership skills.

Whatever happens, just remember that you're not the only one having trouble deciding what to study. Also remember that selecting a major does not lock you into any specific career or field. As Sal has learned, the opportunity to explore new ground will always be there.

Majorly Quick Tips to Stop "What to Study?" Stress:

• Realize that it's more important to take your time and make a good decision than to just settle on a major.


• Get as much as you can out of your freshman year's general courses. These can help you explore new ground and determine your interests.


• Speak to career counselors, take assessment and personality tests, and analyze the career options to which different majors can lead.

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