Public relations supervisors and Millennial entry-level practitioners rate entry-level job skills and professional characteristics

• Millennial entry-level workers rated job performance as above average and average.
• Supervisors rated 22 of 24 items significantly poorer than Millennials’ rating.
• Computer and social media skills were items not generating significant difference.
• Respondents suggested “real life” experiences beyond classroom enhance performance.
• Learning communities can help Millennials develop proficient industry skills.

An online survey was administered to 109 Millennial entry-level public relations employees and 56 supervisors regarding entry-level job skills and professional characteristics. The Millennial entry-level workers rated their job performance in the above average and average ranges. The supervisors rated six of the eight job skills and all 16 professional characteristics as significantly poorer than the Millennials rated themselves. The job skills of computer and social media skills were the only two items that did not generate a significant difference. The researcher outlines ways in which faculty, students, employers, and Millennial-aged employees can build learning communities that will help undergraduate students and Millennial workers develop proficient job performance and keep faculty up-to-date regarding current industry trends.