From video store clerk to vice-president of HR at Paramount Pictures
In 1994, HR executive and social advocate Jim White attended his first lecture at UTS. The Dean approached him with curiosity, “Why are you here? I don’t mean to offend you, but we don’t get many American students here.” Jim’s reply was simple and profound: “That’s exactly why I’m here.”
Jim could have chosen prestigious institutions such as Cambridge or Oxford, but he saw something special in UTS. “UTS has an amazing education program, particularly in terms of diversity and inclusion,” he says. “There aren’t many Americans who’ve done it, which means I have unique, specialised experience.”
Working for Blockbuster in Australia for 12 months provided Jim the opportunity to study adult education at UTS. This period marked the beginning of a series of high-profile roles in the entertainment industry, including positions at Napster, Universal Music, and eventually Paramount Pictures.
I didn’t realise it at the time, but I was one of the few people on the planet who really understood video stores.
From education to industry leadership
Today, Jim is vice-president of human resources at Paramount Pictures. His Master of Education from UTS continues to influence his work, especially at a time when diversity and inclusion are critical in the entertainment industry. “Much of the research I did while studying at UTS is something I use in my current role,” he says.
Jim's role at Paramount involves HR functions such as restructures, sourcing executive talent and acting as a business counsellor, helping senior executives make strategic decisions.
A mission to combat homelessness
The role at Paramount took Jim to Los Angeles, where he faced the severe problem of homelessness. Living in the Skid Row neighbourhood of downtown LA, he was struck by the sight of thousands of people sleeping on the streets. The experience motivated him to engage deeply in the issue.
Jim now represents the entertainment industry on the LA Business Leaders Task Force, a group that collaborates with various sectors to develop housing solutions. Over the past decade, the Task Force has helped house thousands of LA residents.
Wisdom and career advice
Jim’s journey from a video store clerk to a VP at Paramount is filled with valuable lessons.
“Only do the things you love. If that’s the only thing you look for, you’ll always be happy in your job, your life and everything else.”
Jim’s story is a testament to the power of diverse experiences, the importance of continuous learning, and the impact one can have by following their passions and social issues.
Webpage
Maya Newell: capturing children’s voices through film
Maya Newell captures children’s voices through her powerful and socially transformative films.
Webpage
Amani Haydar: transforming trauma into advocacy and art
Meet UTS graduate Amani Haydar and learn how she has transformed personal tragedy into powerful advocacy, becoming a leading voice against gender-based violence through her impactful work as a lawyer, writer and artist.
Webpage
Julia Holman: the thrill of the chase in journalism
Julia Holman thrives on the thrill of chasing stories, from UTS to the ABC newsroom.
Webpage
Maya Newell: capturing children’s voices through film
Maya Newell captures children’s voices through her powerful and socially transformative films.
Webpage
Amani Haydar: transforming trauma into advocacy and art
Meet UTS graduate Amani Haydar and learn how she has transformed personal tragedy into powerful advocacy, becoming a leading voice against gender-based violence through her impactful work as a lawyer, writer and artist.
Webpage
Julia Holman: the thrill of the chase in journalism
Julia Holman thrives on the thrill of chasing stories, from UTS to the ABC newsroom.