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One particularly popular program is a bachelor-of-science degree in leadership, says Leach. "One of the reasons we developed the program was that, in talking to companies and some resident experts here, there was a feeling that more and more companies, particularly those in high-tech sectors, are becoming more reliant on project groups and teams," he says. "We heard a lot that employees need to enhance their leadership skills and their ability to manage teams and projects."

Graduate certificates are also popular at Northeastern for people who may have undergraduate degrees but want to advance in an area unrelated to their careers, Leach says. Human-resources management, for example, is a big area for continued studies as well as regulatory affairs. "We’re finding that because of the large number of pharmaceutical and technology companies, there is a high need for help with regulatory compliance."

Students who are really motivated to make a career change will find a way to earn the knowledge and credentials, says Leach. The school has also put benchmarks in place along the way, such as certificates and associate degrees, "so people have the potential to make a career shift even before they finish."

Martin DuWors, who never attended college, found himself drifting toward a career change when he became "burnt out" fixing cars after several years — even though he was making more money than his friends who were college graduates. One night, he "tiptoed" into a class at a satellite Northeastern campus in Marshfield. An NU representative urged him to sign up for a sociology course, and DuWors was hooked — so much so that he’s changing careers for a third time at age 50.

"I had been out of school for 17 years and was scared to death," recalls DuWors, who lives in Lynn. He initially registered for Northeastern’s Computer Systems Specialist Program (CSSP), which met on 31 consecutive weekends. "It was brutal. I was working in Cohasset until five and I had to be in Burlington at 6:10 [on Fridays], but it was great. It changed my life."

DuWors graduated in February 1994 and soon after got his first job in IT, despite having to take a huge pay cut. Last year he went back and finished up classes in his major in order to earn a bachelor of science in information systems.

"I decided when I was done I wanted to try something else," DuWors says. Around the same time he graduated, he was diagnosed with melanoma and had to have surgery. The diagnosis caused DuWors to do some soul-searching; he decided he wanted to try a career in law.

"I would like to be an advocate and make a difference in somebody’s life," he says. He took the LSATs and finished in the top 10 percent nationally, he says, and was accepted at Boston College Law School, where he’s currently in his first year. At the same time, he’s working full-time at State Street Bank in information services.

That means a very long and hectic day. DuWors, who has no children, but an "incredibly supportive wife," says he is able to balance school and work by studying on weekends.

INDUSTRY OFFICIALS recommend that people considering a career change take realistic, well-planned steps toward achieving their goals. After all, it will involve a certain amount of risk. They also recommend doing your homework about the industry and position you have in mind to find out what the requirements are.

Even if you find your experience and education aren’t in sync with the career you desire, don’t get discouraged, career experts say. Develop a plan to qualify for the job, even if it means going back to school part-time or accepting an entry-level position. If you find you’re overqualified for an entry-level position in a new career, reassure the interviewer of your interest in the position and directly address concerns about your commitment and qualifications.

It’s also a good idea to consider volunteering or taking temporary work in the industry you’re interested in pursuing — schedule permitting — before quitting a current job completely. It will allow you to learn new skills and better determine if that industry is right for you.

Additionally, experts say you shouldn’t be influenced by naysayers, and shouldn’t let fear prevent you from changing your life. While fear of the unknown is normal, don’t misinterpret it as a warning sign not to pursue a new career, they say.

Ken Cotton agrees it’s important to take a chance. "If things don’t work out for me in education, at least I know I gave it a shot rather than wonder ‘What if?’ " he says. Cotton also believes he’s a better teacher now than if he had started right out of college because he’s had life experiences to share with his students.

Burton also says it’s important to find your passion and "get into a career that will allow you to wake up every day and want to go to work."

Says DuWors, "It will be scary, it will be terrifying, and it will be exhilarating."

Esther Shein can be reached at eshein@shein.net.