The Power of the In-Between: How Early- Career Communicators Can Build a Meaningful Voice Before the Title
I have been taking public transportation since I was 11 years old. Whether it was freezing cold or sweltering heat, people were always rushing to get somewhere. Through years of traveling across New York City, from middle school to my current master’s program, I have learned one thing: the city never sleeps.
In the constant hustle and bustle of a city that is always moving, it is easy to feel overwhelmed or overlooked. That feeling often intensifies when you look around and see others further along in their careers, seemingly arriving at milestones you have not yet reached. As someone entering the field of communications, I am learning that progress is not always about speed. It is about clarity, intention, and the ability to find your voice amid constant noise.
The beauty of life and of a career is that neither is linear. Growth does not follow a straight path, and success rarely arrives all at once. Whether you are just beginning or navigating an in-between season, you are still the author of a story with many chapters left to write. In communications, we understand that stories gain power when they are told with confidence and purpose. Learning to trust and use your voice, even before a title arrives, is often the first meaningful step forward.
The first step is to figure out what you truly want to say. That process requires intentional self-reflection and self-care. It is difficult to develop a unique perspective if you are not spending time with yourself and actively cultivating your voice. Ask yourself honest questions and hold yourself accountable to finding the answers. What do you care about? What makes you distinct?
In a world that often encourages self-deprecation, dare to be different. The authentic parts of yourself that may feel dismal or irrelevant are often the very qualities worth amplifying. After all, creativity is what takes a story from being a placeholder on a bookshelf to landing on the bestseller list. Whether you are a music aficionado, sports enthusiast, cooking fanatic, or something entirely different, find what you love and ground your voice in it. Using your passions is one of the most powerful ways to trust your voice and allow it to be heard.
As someone who grew up painfully shy, I am speaking from personal experience. I always had big ideas, but fear and anxiety often held me back. Even in college, I watched others form connections while I kept to myself.
Music, however, was always a constant source of comfort. During times when I felt small, singing gave me a strong and unmistakable voice. Once again, I found myself on trains traveling across different boroughs, searching for spaces where I could use it. Eventually, I realized that simply loving to sing was not enough. I had to be intentional about warming up my voice, practicing consistently, and bringing a unique perspective to familiar songs. I also had to understand my audience, tailoring my song choices and vocal techniques to the diverse listeners in front of me.
This same work is required of early communications professionals, especially in a city saturated with voices. Everyone has something to say, but the most impactful communicators are those who prepare with intention and seize opportunities when they arise. When they use their voice, the purpose behind it is unmistakable.
At this point, you may have found your voice and are working to strengthen it day by day. Still, it can be difficult to remain patient when tangible results feel out of reach. You may be submitting job applications without hearing back, pursuing further education while feeling uncertain about the future, or working in a role where your progress has plateaued. It is completely natural to wonder, “When will my moment come?” I want to sincerely encourage you not to give up. Your pursuits, hard work, and efforts are not in vain.
Growing pains are real. To reach the next chapter of your story where your goals begin to materialize, you will encounter discomfort. During this in-between season, remember that you are not alone. Many established and successful professionals have stood exactly where you are now. There is no shame in seeking community, whether through peers or mentors, and asking for guidance along the way.
This is also a time to return to accountability. Identify the areas where you can push yourself further or refine your approach. Just as a gardener carefully attends to plants, plucking out weeds and providing fertile soil so the flower can grow beautifully, we must cultivate the seedlings of our careers to ensure they blossom gracefully. That might mean showing up to networking events, pursuing additional certifications, or asking an objective third party to review your resume.
Finally, be patient. Rome was not built in a day, and most careers are not built overnight either. There is true beauty in waiting. This season allows you to discover who you are and how to communicate your identity authentically. Amid the constant rushing around you, take the time to tell your story. You may be surprised by how meaningful the results become.
One day, when you land the dream job, you will look back on your in-between phase with gratitude. For now, do not squander this opportunity to work on yourself. Trust that you have creative gifts for a reason and allow them to carry you further than you once imagined.
New York City may be a place that never sleeps, but it is also a place where people give everything they have to make their dreams real. You have the ability to shape your life into a story so meaningful that it inspires others along the way. You can be a melodic voice that rises above the noise, not by shouting louder, but by speaking with intention.
The world needs what you have to say. Use this season to prepare, to refine your voice, and to trust that when the moment comes, you will be ready.
