“I want an encore career, but how do I find one?” That’s a question asked by many members of Encore.org.

Kerry Hannon talked with Marc Freedman of Civic Ventures and other experts in midlife career planning for “Six Tips on Planning a Second Career” in the latest issue of U.S. News and World Report.

Freedman, author of Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life, said few people start a second career purely for the money. “They’re searching for work that is fulfilling and gets them out of bed in the morning,” he told Hannon.

Here are the six tips experts offer experienced workers for finding their next career:

• Prepare yourself. Make an honest appraisal of your skills and interests. Take interest-assessment quizzes on job search sites. The goal is finding a career that matches your interests and personality.
• Research where the jobs are. Find the fields where job growth is strong, such as health care, education and technical consulting. The Encore Career Finder and Find Your Encore sections of this site offer lots of resources.
• Connect with a network. Find people who have made late-career changes and ask them how they did it. Talk with people in fields that interest you. Apply for an internship or volunteer to get a foot in the door.
• Upgrade your skills and education. If possible, get additional training before you leave your mid-career job. Professional affinity groups and colleges offer lots of training, including some community college courses specifically targeted at individuals seeking encore careers.
• Evaluate your finances. Figure out how much income you’ll need once you make the transition. If you return to school, you may be eligible for a scholarship or grant or a deduction on your income taxes.
• Don’t let your age get in the way. Your health and energy should convince an employer that you have much to offer.