Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping marketing and communication professions, prompting higher education programs to reconsider whether current curricula adequately prepare graduates for an evolving workforce. As AI tools increasingly automate content creation, personalization, and strategy development, educators face mounting pressure to ensure students understand not only how to use these tools but also the underlying principles that guide effective communication. To address this need, researchers at the [university] initiated a project to collaborate directly with industry professionals to identify emerging skill expectations for new graduates. This project sought to (1) identify the AI-related competencies and communication skills industry leaders consider essential for entry-level professionals, (2) evaluate how current curriculum and assignments align with those workforce needs, and (3) determine opportunities to integrate or refine instruction involving AI-enhanced marketing and communication practices. Representatives from nationally recognized organizations were invited to campus to observe coursework, review student projects as samples of how AI tools are being incorporated, engage with faculty and graduate students, and participate in structured debriefing sessions with the research team. Preliminary findings suggest that industry professionals value students who possess both conceptual understanding, such as strategic reasoning, message framing, and ethical awareness, as well as practical proficiency using AI-supported tools. Visitors emphasized the increasing importance of adaptability in using AI tools, data-informed decision-making, and the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated content. Their feedback highlighted specific opportunities for curriculum enhancement, including expanding experiential assignments with AI applications and ensuring students can articulate why and how they use AI in professional contexts. This project provides a framework for industry-engaged curriculum assessment and offers insights for educators seeking to prepare students for communication careers transformed by AI. Findings will inform ongoing course redesign efforts and future research collaborations with industry partners.