Season 3 Episode 131: Lessons Learned for Military Transition with Marina Rabinek and Kasie Valenti

We continue with Part 2 of our miniseries sharing previously LIVE LinkedIn events that showcase trusted advisors and their top lessons for the military transition. On this episode we feature Marina Rabinek, who is the Founder and President of the Military Women’s Collective while serving as the West Coast Regional Director for Four Block. The Military Women’s Collective not only provides resources for homeless and food-insecure veterans, but it also gives mentorship opportunities to women transitioning out of the military. Kasie Valenti is an Army veteran and military spouse. Transitioning in 2016 and pivoting to marketing and communications, Kasie recently founded Sigma Forces, a career advancement organization. This organization offers education and certifications for the military community to upskill and become more employable.

Lesson 1: Find Your Focus. Figuring out what you would like to do in your next career will dictate how you approach your transition and what resources you choose to utilize. You must know where you are going in order to find your way there. There are many resources available to help you find your purpose.

Lesson 2: You Don’t Have to Go through the Transition Process Alone. While there are times in the military that you are expected to be resourceful and figure something out on your own, that mindset will not serve you well during your transition. Utilize resources and find mentors to help you reach your goals.

Lesson 3: Build Your Network before You Need It. Create a diverse network that includes people outside of the military community. Engage with your network even after you land your first position and give back to others. While a quality network is more important than quantity, it is possible to have both. It’s never too late or too early to build your network, starting with LinkedIn.

Lesson 4: Strengthen Your Mindset. Normalize that the transition is challenging. You will experience a roller coaster of emotions. As Ken Davenport states in The Stoic Transition, “You own the reaction and consequences of your choices.” You can choose how you approach transition.  Will you be fearful of the unknown or excited about the possibility of future opportunities?

Lesson 5: Stay Connected to the Military Community in Some Way. Leaving the military can bring about feelings of loneliness and isolation. There are plenty of organizations that will help you feel that camaraderie again while serving others. Your local community has nonprofits that need your time and experience.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel at https://tinyurl.com/llforvets22.

Connect with Marina Rabinek at https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-rabinek/

Connect with Kasie Valenti at https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasie-valenti/

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