From Uncertainty to Empowerment: How This Paramount Employee Took Charge of Her Career Through Education

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August 20, 2025 – When Meagan Caruso joined Paramount in 2019—then still operating as Legacy CBS—she didn’t have a clear vision for her career path. Starting as an HR assistant in compensation, she quickly realized that crunching numbers wasn’t her calling. However, what she did discover was a passion for learning and the power of saying “yes” to new opportunities.

Fast forward to today, Meagan is a Human Resources Manager specializing in Total Rewards, a role she not only thrives in but one she might never have found without the support of forward-thinking leaders and a company culture that champions career mobility.

“I had just joined a new team, and I didn’t know what to expect,” Meagan recalls. “We had just gone through a merger, and then COVID hit. My manager was leading the company’s COVID task force, so I had to step up and learn fast. It was a huge adjustment, but it taught me so much.”

That spirit of adaptability and support became a theme in Meagan’s journey. Encouraged by one of her managers to explore different paths, she was introduced to the Total Rewards team and immediately felt at home. “It was exactly where I wanted to be,” she says.

Meagan didn’t stop there. Amid another corporate merger and a wave of organizational change, she began thinking about how to future-proof her career. “We always tell employees about the benefits available to them,” she says. “I realized I needed to take my own advice.”

With encouragement from her current manager, Meagan enrolled in an HR Essentials course through Paramount’s education benefits, powered by EdAssist by Bright Horizons. The program offers employees access to a wide range of learning opportunities—from professional certificates to full degree programs—through a streamlined, easy-to-navigate platform. EdAssist makes it simple for employees to explore options, apply for tuition assistance, and track their progress, all while receiving personalized support along the way.

At first, Meagan hesitated. She was in the midst of planning a wedding, moving into a new apartment, and hadn’t been in a classroom in over a decade. “The idea of writing essays and taking tests again was daunting,” she admits.

However, she took the plunge—and never looked back. What she expected to be a stressful, time-consuming experience turned out to be manageable and even enjoyable. “I thought it would be night classes and cramming,” she says. “But the hybrid format gave me flexibility, and having a supportive manager made all the difference.”

Over three months, Meagan completed six courses under the HR Essentials umbrella. While the content didn’t directly mirror her day-to-day work, it deepened her understanding of the field and reignited her passion for professional development. “I started with the mindset of just getting it done, but I ended up loving it,” she added.

Her advice to others considering going back to school? “Take the plunge. There’s never going to be a perfect time. Life will always be busy, but continuing your education is an investment in yourself—and you’re worth it.” She adds, “Definitely take advantage of the benefits your company offers—those meaningful benefits can truly transform your life, just like our education benefits changed mine.”