“Cheap labor” speaks: PR adjuncts on pedagogy and preparing Millennials for careers

In-depth interviews were conducted among 32 adjunct public relations instructors across the U.S. to discover their unique contributions in preparing today's undergraduates for entry-level positions. Research questions probed teaching philosophy, practice-to-classroom transition, and any challenges faced. Amidst adjuncts’ voices, two overarching themes emerged – omnipresent economic forces, and academic/practitioner dichotomy. Findings fill a significant gap in the public relations body of knowledge and offer several suggestions for further research.

► Offered are unique perspectives of public relations adjuncts to who prepare Millennial students for entry-level positions. ► Probed teaching philosophy, practice-to-classroom transition, and any challenges faced. ► Themes emerged – omnipresent economic forces, and academic/practitioner dichotomy.