Today is one of my favourite days of the year. Graduation is always an optimistic, upbeat occasion.

It’s graduation day for students of the School of Arts and Culture at Newcastle University. More than 100 students received their Masters in Public Relations and Media.

It’s an incredibly positive and uplifting day. Graduation is a life event. It’s a close second to engagement, birth, and marriage.

It’s a right of passage from study to work, an opportunity to dress up and celebrate achievement with the university community, friends and family.

I love the ceremony and occasion. The music, procession, speeches, photos and lunches. I love the tears, smiles, hugs, and collective sense of achievement.

This is my fifth graduation ceremony as a Visiting Professor in Practice at Newcastle University. I signed up to the role after completing a year as President of the CIPR.

Aside from blogging and writing text books it’s my single biggest contribution to upskilling and professionalising our business.

I’ve had the fortune to teach more than 400 students. That’s 400 individuals that have set out on a professional career in public relations.

Congratulations if you’re a public relations student graduating this year at Newcastle or elsewhere. Good luck as you set out in your careers.

Thank you to the teachers in the UK and worldwide who teach public relations and make up the community of practice. It’s important work and a reason to celebrate.