Empowering Veterans in Media: Paramount’s Veteran Immersion Program

Transitioning from military service to civilian life presents numerous challenges, particularly when entering competitive industries like media and entertainment. Paramount recognizes the unique skills and perspectives that veterans bring, and that’s why we established the Veteran Immersion Program in 2020. This initiative is about guiding and supporting veterans and integrating their invaluable experiences into the media sector.

A Commitment to Authenticity and Opportunity

Paramount’s dedication to authenticity is evident in productions like SEAL Team, a streaming hit on Paramount+. The series portrays realistic military scenarios and integrates veterans into its cast and crew, enhancing its credibility. This approach underscores the value of firsthand military experience in storytelling.  

👇 Check out the SEAL Team trailer below. 👇

Comprehensive Support for Veterans

The Veteran Immersion Program is more than just a gateway to employment. It’s a comprehensive support system that provides mentorship, career counseling, skills development, and job readiness training.

Betty Diaz, Director of Programs and Operations for Paramount Veterans Network, emphasizes the program’s focus on identifying and nurturing individual skill sets. Veterans have engaged in diverse roles, including communications, animation, editing, event planning, corporate responsibility, information security, and technology, ensuring they are well-prepared for their new careers.

Voices from the Program …

Torrin Fields, a senior postproduction editor at Paramount and Army veteran, highlights the challenges veterans face when entering the media industry. He notes that the military instilled in him leadership, teamwork, and resilience — qualities that are invaluable in media roles.

Broader Industry Efforts

Paramount’s initiative is a more significant movement to integrate veterans into media and entertainment. Organizations like Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME) unite current and former military members working in film and television, providing resources and networking opportunities to facilitate career transitions.  

Success Stories and Lessons Learned

Veterans who have ventured into media often share valuable insights. In her article “Veterans and Media — Painful (yet valuable) Lessons I Learned When I Started My Entertainment Career,” Jennifer Marshall discusses the importance of hard work and the power of connections in achieving success in the entertainment industry.

These success stories are inspiring and show that with the proper support, veterans can thrive in the media industry.

Conclusion: Growing Recognition …

Programs like Paramount’s Veteran Immersion Program exemplify the media industry’s growing recognition of the value veterans bring. By providing tailored support and opportunities, these initiatives empower veterans to successfully transition into media careers, enriching the industry with their unique experiences and perspectives.​

For veterans interested in exploring opportunities in media, engaging with organizations like Paramount’s Veteran Immersion Program and Veterans in Media & Entertainment can be transformative steps toward a fulfilling career.

If you’re a veteran with a passion for storytelling, we encourage you to apply to the Veteran Immersion Program and take the first step toward a rewarding career in media.

Check out the Paramount Career Opportunities HERE.

We look forward to welcoming more veterans into our industry!