By: Jumana Salem
Why I Fell in Love with Gotham City
I know New York City is loud, crowded, expensive, and a hassle just to move to. Everyone is hustling, everything costs more than it should, and nothing ever slows down.
But students, like myself, still choose to build their lives there. And why?
New York City is special in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve visited and felt it. To me, it’s really the culture and diversity that captivated me. You can walk from The Met Cloisters to Soho for Chinatown and Little Italy to the Lower East Side and feel like you’ve traveled the world in an afternoon.
New York City has this way of uncovering parts of me I didn’t know existed. From the fashion that inspires me to the food that surprises me, the city reveals new layers of myself and reminds me not to blend in, but to be boldly different. It quietly pushes me to be whoever I want, without fear of judgment.
It’s also the kind of place where you never feel helpless. Starting your career or even starting over can feel very isolating, but not in New York City. There is always something to do because the city is so big. In New York City, the opportunities are endless; there will always be a door to knock on and a place ready to take you in.
Why NYC is a Career Getaway for PR & Communication Students
As a Strategic Communication major, New York City feels like the place where everything I’m learning finally comes alive. Every time I go back, I notice things differently, like the ads on the subway and the way brands tell stories.
For a writer like myself, there’s always something happening there that gives me something new to write about. Every corner has a story, every block has a conflict, and every day, something new is happening.
I also admire New York’s hustle culture. It makes me rethink how I communicate, observe people, and how I should approve work. The city’s rhythm changes your mindset, it makes you quicker and aware. It pushes you to grow and to be sharper, especially when it comes to your line of work. And for someone like me who thrives on quickness, the hustle isn’t draining but rather motivating.
NYC feels like the ultimate career getaway for PR and communication students because it’s where the industries are. In NYC there are many major media outlets, agencies, and journalists. And so you’re constantly surrounded by the people who build those careers you dream about and people who make things happen, which is inspiring.
Tips for Moving and Living in NYC
Moving to New York City sounds like the ultimate dream for many, but reality hits fast. The rent is high and spaces are small. But once you learn how to navigate it, things become easier. Researching the neighborhoods is essential, every area has its own price range as well as a lifestyle. You might love Manhattan’s fast energy but also find comfort in quieter areas like Brooklyn or Queens.
Budgeting is also essential. NYC has a way of tempting you with food, shopping, and events that are happening constantly. Track your spending and find small routines that help you save like cooking at home or walking. If you like using the train instead of walking, then learn it fast. It is the fastest way to get around and once you understand the lines, the city suddenly starts feeling smaller.
Lastly, don’t be afraid to make the first move. Talk to people, try new foods, explore different neighborhoods, and say yes to opportunities that come your way. NYC rewards curiosity, so don’t limit yourself to what you know. Be open to new things that come your way and venture out of your comfort zone. You never know, you might try something now and find that you love it. NYC is a place to grow.
Making the Most of the City as a Young Professional
Being a young professional in New York City can feel intimidating at first, but it’s also one of the most exciting stages of your life. I recommend going to networking events, even if you’re nervous. In NYC, everyone is building and working on something, and meeting the right person can change your entire career path, so surround yourself with people.
I always use the city like my classroom. Whenever I go out for a walk, I always look around me and look at how brands market themselves and how trends start, from subway ads to street fashion there’s always something to look at and learn. As a young professional, these moments spark ideas.
Explore the city outside of your line of work. Try new restaurants, walk into random bookstores, or attend a small concert. For a writer like myself, it is important for me to immerse myself into these unplanned activities because I find that it helps me become a better writer, it helps me be in the shoes of others.
How Ohio State Students Can Prepare Now
If you’re dreaming about building a future in New York City, the preparation starts here, at The Ohio State University. Ohio State is an amazing school for Communication students. The school offers many resources and there are many ways to get involved, develop skills, and confidence to get you where you want to be. Get involved in student media like The Lantern, marketing clubs that fisher offers, and PR orgs like The PRactic. These experiences can help you build a portfolio.
Ohio State also offers networking events, career fairs and guest speakers. It can be something as simple as having a conversation with a professional like a professor who can give you that clarity, advice, or a connection that you can use.
Ohio State provides you with the foundation, and New York City is the perfect place to leap into the professional world.
