Paramount’s Veteran Immersion Program, part of the Paramount Veterans Network, offers a lifeline to veterans transitioning into the media industry. Launched in 2020, the program supports military veterans by providing hands-on experience, mentorship, and career development opportunities. It’s a critical initiative for veterans seeking meaningful careers after their military service, with access to jobs in communications, editing, animation, tech, and more.
Betty Diaz, director of programs and operations for the Paramount Veterans Network, highlighted the program’s commitment to identifying and nurturing the unique skills of veterans. “We grow that skill set and open doors of opportunity,” she said, noting that veterans often face challenges entering the civilian workforce after dedicating their prime years to military service.
Veterans like Torrin Fields, a senior postproduction editor at Paramount, testify to the program’s transformative impact. Fields, who served in Iraq, struggled to adjust to the civilian workplace’s individualistic culture. However, after joining the Veteran Immersion Program, Fields gained new skills, confidence, and, most importantly, a sense of camaraderie—a feeling he described as “family.”
Joshua Reyes, another success story from the program, struggled after being medically discharged from the Marine Corps due to a severe injury. “I was going to be a lifer,” Reyes said. Through the program, he found healing and purpose in acting, which allowed him to connect with others’ stories in a therapeutic way.
Chris Murray, an editor at Paramount and Air National Guard member, found that the program provided the perfect bridge between his military duties and his passion for film. “Paramount goes that extra mile,” he said, providing a community of veterans that helps them stay connected and thrive in their new careers.
Paramount’s efforts have earned recognition, with the company being named a DAV Patriot Employer in 2023 and 2024 for its dedication to veterans. Lamarr Couser, employment director at DAV, praised Paramount’s focus on bringing real veteran perspectives to media, which preserves their stories and contributions for future generations.
For Betty Diaz, the mission goes beyond the program’s success. “If I can show other media companies how to do this, I will,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to seeing veterans thrive in the workforce. Paramount’s Veteran Immersion Program is more than just job training; it’s a pathway to a new chapter for military veterans, fostering skills, camaraderie, and career success in the media industry.
