Editorial Record: Submitted August 7, 2025. Revised and accepted November 4, 2025.  

Authors

ABSTRACT

For graduate students in public relations, internships are essential in translating theory to practice. Their supervisors often presume they will deliver on day one, due to the depth of knowledge and experience gained as advanced degree seekers. However, there is increasing criticism that colleges may not provide them with enough practical preparation, as many pause that development at the undergraduate level. To explore how graduate programs can better prepare advanced students for industry expectations, semi-structured interviews were conducted with public relations experts. Results indicated that professionals are concerned about graduate students’ writing, interpersonal and networking abilities. Suggestions for curriculum improvements are discussed, along with future directions and limitations.