A recent article in the New York Times does an excellent job of demonstrating just what it takes to make a career change. The story focused on a man named Kip Shaefer, who managed to successfully move from a career within the for-profit sector to the non-profit sector. Though it wasn’t an easy transition, Schaefer’s story demonstrates that it is possible to make a career change if you are willing to put in the time and effort to make the change happen. In addition, Shaefer and others who were interviewed for the article did a great job of explaining what it takes to make the career change you are after.

According to Schaefer, one of the most important things you need to do when making a career change is to “align your intuitive spirit with your career goals.” He goes on to say that you should do some soul searching when deciding on the move that you want to make. Eiline Heisman, who is the president of the National Philanthropic Trust where Schaefer is now happily employed, went on to say that Schaefer demonstrated a few key characteristics that help set him apart from others that were interested in the position he ultimately won. According to Heisman, one of the most important qualities Schaefer demonstrated was sincerity.

“It’s a harder leap than people think,” Heisman says about Schaefer’s move from for-profit to non-profit work. “Some come to nonprofits thinking there’s not much to know. They think they’re doing me a favor coming from the private sector: ‘Oh, a charity. How hard can this be? I’m finally ready to give back!’ Kip wasn’t like that.”

Not surprisingly, Heisman also lists Schaefer’s education as one of his positive traits. What she was particularly impressed by, however, was that he had taken the time to educate himself regarding her organization’s specific needs.

Having a supportive family and being prepared to make a move when necessary also appear to be two characteristics that helped Schaefer make a successful transition to a new career. In order to obtain the education he needed, he had to go back to school for two more years while still working and raising two children, with a third on the way. Luckily, his wife was very supportive of his career change and he also had family that allowed his family to stay with him after he sold his house and his apartment. By selling both places and staying with family, he was able to remain flexible regarding the jobs he could pursue. In fact, he says he went all over the country interviewing for non-profit jobs within the financial sector, which is where he wanted to be employed.

Finally, Schaefer advises following your passion when making a career change. During his search for a job with a non-profit organization, he was offered a lucrative position on Wall Street that paid far more than any non-profit could ever afford to pay. Nonetheless, he chose to follow his dreams and is much happier with where he is now.