Plan strategically to stay connected while youre out.  For example, can you serve on the board of a prestigious non-profit where your skills will go to great use?  Can you join -- and be active in -- a professional association in your area?  Do not lose contact with the people in your field. Plan monthly lunches with the working professionals you know.  Yes, you can take a course, but that alone isn't enough.  Subscribe to industry publications so you stay on top of trends, legislation, etc in your field.  Hope this helps -- good luck...bottom line: Don't disappear from the radar of this field or the people you know!