Application window for the 2021 Fellowship is now closed.
WANT TO LEARN MORE? JOIN ONE OF OUR ONLINE SESSIONS!
AT&T & VME Program Directors, along with Fellows from the first class, will be hosting two online information sessions to discuss the program and answer any questions. You do NOT have to be a VME member to attend.
You can sign-up for one or both of these online classes here:
ABOUT THE AT&T Veterans Media Fellowship - Cohort 2 (2021)
VME is proud to collaborate on a specialized AT&T Veterans Media Fellowship Program designed to provide veterans with customized training, mentorship, and opportunities to create digital short-form content to help build their resumes and portfolios/reels through a series of projects over virtual weekend classes.
Location, Time Commitment, and Cost
Classes will be scheduled online over 12 Saturdays from late-January to early May 2021..
Remote Project-Based Curriculum. Curriculum and projects are all conducted virtually and may require team or mentor meetings on weekdays (optional for those work commitments).
The VME-AT&T Veterans Media Fellowship is supported by AT&T and is offered at no cost to the Fellows.
About the Program
Veteran Fellows will explore the business of media and entertainment—and discover the many industry career paths available to veterans whether they are just entering the business or have some experience.
The program will heavily focus on creative storytelling, content development, and cloud-based production (creating short-form interviews, branded content and documentary-tyle projects. There will also be an emphasis on the interconnection and impact of marketing, media operations, sales and distribution on the creative and production processes.
Remote Project-Based Curriculum. Due to the impact of COVID-19, (“we adapt and overcome”) this year’s program will be online and cover the following:
Multiplatform content such as short-form entertainment, advertising, and educational content.
Over the 12-weeks, the Veteran Fellows will take on custom and commercially driven creative project challenges.
Learn creative strategy, planning, and execution of clients’ brand storytelling projects.
Instruction & Speakers:
Provide core education, contextual knowledge, best practices, real-life examples.
Expand self-discovery, technical skills and an entreprenurial spirit operating in a safe practice space.
Build greater understanding and familiarity of multi-platform content, key habits and practices of storytellers of media professsionals, and cloud-based workflows for content development.
Mentorship:
Throughout the program, Fellows will receive mentorship from Industry and/or veteran mentors to help build their network and gain one-on-one insight.
Program blocks cover:
How to work collaboratively in the various media and entertainment industry “cultures.”
Understand how your skills and experience in the military translates to industry careers.
Build familiarity of the media landscape and career architecture necessary for jobs that match your interests.
Learn from industry experts, including AT&T executives and professionals, how they have navigated through their careers and what high performance looks in their roles.
Team up to tackle hands-on creative and operational projects that provide a 360-degree view of the different roles it takes to successfully deliver content daily or for live productions.
Learn methods and techniques for continuous learning and professional development to help build a successful career.
Why this Program is a Game-Changer
According to a recent LinkedIn Survey, 85% of jobs and internship positions are filled through personal connections.
As a result, veterans are at a disadvantage when entering any industry because while they were serving their country, their peer group was gaining valuable work experience and building a network critical to helping them find future work. VME calls this “the service gap,” and our programs and partnerships work to accelerate veterans’ transitions into civilian careers..
The AT&T Veterans Media Fellowship will specifically help Veteran Fellows understand the media and entertainment landscape, dramatically expand their networks, and provide opportunities to create meaningful projects for their resumes and reels/portfolios.
This learning curve is fast-tracked through an intensive 12-week period rather than the years it may take someone entering the industry to gain this kind of first-hand knowledge and to develop a robust network.
Who Should Apply
Veterans interested in an industry career in writing, production, marketing, advertising, broadcast operations, logistics, and sports.
Veterans with some industry experience (independent or corporate) yet who wish to explore new career opportunities.
Veterans with drive, exploratory mind-set, and ready to collaborate with good nature.
NOTE: All Veterans and active duty members are welcome to apply - you do NOT have to be a member of VME to apply.
Application Criteria
Veterans of the US Military (former Active Duty, Reserves or National Guard).
Members currently serving in the US Military on Active Duty, Reserves or National Guard.
AT&T employees are not eligible to apply.
APPLICATION WINDOW IS NOW CLOSED.
PLEASE READ ALL APPLICATION CRITERIA BELOW BEFORE APPLYING
IMPORTANT DATES
APPLICATION OPENS: October 27, 2020
APPLICATION CLOSES: December 11, 2020
ANNOUNCEMENT OF PARTICIPANTS: December 18, 2020
PROGRAM RUNS: February 6 – May 8, 2021
APPLICATION OVERVIEW & REQUIREMENTS
This is a digital submission process with ten sections (the tenth is a “fun facts” section) with most questions being quick drop-down menu selections or require short answers:
Contact Information
Military Service
Education
Current Work
Media & Entertainment Experience
Professional Goal & Skills
Resume & Cover Letter
References
“Selfie Story”
Fun Facts About You
Important points candidates should know before applying are listed below.
Application completion. Only fully completed applications will be considered. You do NOT have to be a VME member to apply.
Filling out the Application. Once you fill out the first page of the application (7 basic questions), you can save along the way. This means you don’t have to leave your computer on for week…:)
Application length. Over the years, VME has developed successful job, internship, and educational programs. During that time, we discovered a direct correlation between requiring applicants to complete a more extensive, thoughtful application process and the success of a candidate in a program. This “skin in the game” approach directly affects attendance and commitment level of those selected. Many people, civilian and veterans alike, are working hard behind-the-scenes to create, shape, plan, fund, and execute this opportunity for you. You honor their contributions by submitting a thorough, well-thought out submission.
Crafting Your Story. This submission process goes beyond applying for this Veterans Media Fellowship Program. This application is an important exercise in helping you to craft your narrative effectively for future programs, job or internships opportunities, etc., The skill in learning how to introduce yourself to people in the industry is one that is constantly evolving as your career takes shape or pivots.. For those applying with more industry experience, it’s always good to reflect on your successes to date and update your resume.
Building Support. It can be challenging to write about yourself even for professional writers. Members who have submitted to VME’s Job & Internship programs shared that feedback from their fellow veterans helped – so please ask others for a hand in reviewing your resume, cover letter, etc.. Just completing this application will provide you an opportunity to build and/or strengthen your network.
Be Committed. Even though this is a part-time program, it is intensive and requires time and effort to complete successfully. If selected, you will have the opportunity to build a network of like-minded veterans, create a portfolio of short-form projects, and meet mentors and industry experts who only wish the best for your career. This program is like being in the military in that it’s up to you to be the best version of yourself to get the most out of it.
Disclosure. VME does not disclose applicant's personal information to any third party. It is used solely for the purpose of this Fellowship application process and is not retained after candidates have been selected.
PRESS
AT&T Launches Veteran Media Fellowship in Los Angeles
For over a century, AT&T has remained dedicated to supporting military personnel, veterans and their families. Of this support, we are most proud of our work to hire veterans and their family members, alongside our support of programs that provide training and skills-building put veterans on a path to career success. As we celebrate the achievement of reaching our goal to hire 20,000 veterans by 2020 – ahead of schedule – we remain focused on identifying new opportunities for veterans so that they can continue to succeed in a variety of industries.
As our company evolves, so do the opportunities we can offer to veterans. That’s why we are proud to announce the AT&TVeterans Media Fellowship, alongside Veterans in Media & Entertainment (VME). Founded in 2012 as a grassroots movement and 501(c)3, VME is a professional association of U.S. military veterans working in, or aspiring to work in, media and entertainment. VME connects veterans to industry jobs, internships, education, and to each other.
Media-making is an ever-growing industry and a core part of our business, and we support programs that elevate diverse voices and perspectives in this space. The Veterans Media Fellowship will help US military veterans transition into meaningful, impactful careers in the media and entertainment industry.
“As a veteran myself, I am excited that AT&T is finding ways to include more veterans in our commitment to media-making and storytelling,” says Catherine Pack, Assistant Vice President – Video Operations, AT&T Mobility & Entertainment. “Veterans bring exceptional skills and unique experiences from their military service that make them compelling storytellers in the ever-evolving media landscape.”
The Veterans Media Fellowship is a 13-week intensive program that will provide a broad, more in-depth understanding of the media industry landscape, critical business functions, and a project-based curriculum designed to provide real life, job-ready skills. The fellowship will include 15-20 veterans in the Los Angeles area with an interest in media and entertainment careers.
“The AT&T Veterans Media Fellowship will give veterans one-of-a-kind training for careers in television and film production, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with AT&T on this initiative.” says Karen Kraft, VME Board Chair and veteran. “The program will offer a custom, hands-on training that includes instruction, networking, career coaching and a video reel-building project that sets veterans up for success in the industry.”
“This is an exciting opportunity aimed at veterans who are looking to find their best career fit but are not aware of all the industry opportunities open to them,” says Y’Dhanna Daniels, VME Program Director and veteran. “It’s also a program for those who have taken steps to begin their media career, but may want to also explore other career options.”
Selected veterans will receive mentorship from AT&T and Warner Media and will participate in weekly sessions that will provide participants with professional skills, expand their understanding of the industry and provide coaching and support. These sessions will be curated by Veterans in Entertainment & Media and offered as a combination of in-person and video sessions. Through the program, fellows will work together to design and create short-form content, while being provided with hands-on skills development.
For more information on the Fellowship, including how to apply, please visit www.vmeconnect.org/att.
