To celebrate International Women's Day (IWD), we are shining a light on some of the amazing women who help shape National College of Ireland. Find out what IWD means to them.
Ciara Jackson, HR Consultant at NCI
International Women’s Day, March 8th, 2025
Shining a light on the women of NCI.
My name is Ciara Jackson, and I work as a HR Consultant at National College of Ireland. In my role, every day is different which I really enjoy. I manage all stages of the recruitment and onboarding process for new hires, ensuring they have a smooth transition. I also produce monthly HR reports, update and provide information on HR policies and procedures, and manage the monthly payroll updates. Additionally, I help to organise wellbeing events and initiatives and provide advice and answer queries from staff members day to day.
Career pathways and aspirations
I’ve worked here since January 2021, and it has flown by! I completed my Bachelor of Business Studies degree at Maynooth University in 2018. Right after university, I joined an organisation as a Recruitment and HR Coordinator and later moved into a role within a large HR/Recruitment team in Intel, Co Kildare where I gained so much experience. During Covid, I decided to complete my CIPD diploma in NCI. That Christmas I noticed an opening in the HR team in NCI and decided to go for it. I was looking to build on my experience in a new sector and it’s safe to say I’m delighted I applied as I'm still happily here, four years later. Since joining NCI, I’ve also completed a Specialist Diploma in HR Management with UCD Professional Academy which I really enjoyed.
Looking ahead and continuing to grow
When I was in school and university, I wasn’t entirely sure about the career path I wanted to pursue. However, looking back now, I’m grateful for the opportunities I took, as they have led me to a position that I’m really happy in. As for my work aspirations going forward, I'm looking to build on what I've learned so far and continue my studies to further develop my skills and expertise.
My motivations
My family motivate me. Also, my dog Luna is a great motivator because if I don't have the funds for her new toys and treats, I would be in serious trouble!
International Women’s Day
International Women's Day to me is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women across the world, while also acknowledging the ongoing challenges that a lot of women still face. I think it acts as a reminder of the contributions of women in all areas of life and is a time to reflect on how far we've come. It is also an opportunity to recognise any women in your life that are important to you.
Seeing the change
Over the course of my career, I’ve noticed more opportunities for women to take on leadership roles and have their voices heard within the workplace which is very positive. I’ve also noticed that pieces of legislation, such as those around equal pay and protected leaves e.g. parental leave, parents leave have been important in creating an inclusive and supportive environment.
While there could be more done in the future, I’ve seen changes within my role and outside of it that have made a difference and continue to impact me positively.