Many people who have been laid off are taking advantage of the recession to retrench and learn a new skill, or follow a lifelong dream. But whether you’re an investment banker who’s always wanted to be an interior designer, or a laid off civil engineer dreaming of finally getting in fashion design, transitioning to a second career requires more than just passion. It requires planning.

1. Research the different jobs available in your dream industry. By learning the range of careers that are available, you expand your possibilities. For example, even though you might be interested in fashion design, there are many jobs within the industry besides that of the fashion designer, like the buyer, the fashion merchandiser, or the technical designer. The more options you have, the greater chances of a successful transition.

2. Network with professionals in the field. Set up informational interviews with people who are working in the careers you’re interested in. They can tell you what the job is really like, and what you can expect in terms of work hours and responsibilities. They can also give you insight as to the training and education you’ll need to break into the industry.

3. Connect with social networking sites. Online social media sites can put you just a few clicks away from people who can help you. If there’s a company you’ve always dreamed about working for, you can do a company search, find people who work there, and then ask your mutual friends to connect you. Search the bios of your friends and connections, and see if any work in the industry or career you’re interested in. And search all your friends’ friends as well.

4. Get the necessary education. Before you launch a new career, you will probably need some training, and even earn a degree. Fortunately, many schools offer professional designation programs that can be completed in a year. Even if you think that you can transition to a new career without additional schooling, remember that enrolling in a degree program will provide you with valuable career placement opportunities you otherwise would not have. For example, fashion design schools are plugged into the industry, and can help their students and graduates with internships, mentorships, and job leads.

5. Plan your finances. If you’re going back to school, you don’t have to shoulder the financial burden alone. Seek out financial aid packages from your intended school, as well as independent sources; there are no age limits. And the Department of Education has initiated a program that greatly increases the amount of financial aid available for unemployed workers who want to go back to school, without losing their unemployment benefits.

Tags: Changing Careers, Job Fairs, Job Search

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