To mark our 75th Anniversary, we are shining a light on some NCI alumni to showcase the amazing talent the College has produced throughout the years.
Christina Canning, Founder of Inalead HR
Alumni Spotlight: Christina Canning
BA (Honours) in HRM Strategy and Practice (2022)
Founder, Inalead HR
About Christina
Christina Canning is a graduate of the BA (Honours) in HRM Strategy and Practice, which she completed between 2020 and 2022. She studied part-time and remotely while working full-time, completing her degree during the Covid-19 period, an experience that highlighted the importance of flexibility and support in education.
Christina returned to third-level education as a mature student. For her, NCI represented a second chance to pursue a qualification she once believed was out of reach.
"I am incredibly grateful to have had a chance to go back to college and actually complete an undergraduate degree which I never thought was possible."
Support and Flexibility in Higher Education
One of the most meaningful elements of Christina's time at NCI was the level of support she received from lecturers, particularly from Steve Sands, whose engaging and relatable teaching style helped bring HR theory to life. Studying part-time and remotely allowed Christina to balance full-time work while continuing her professional development. She credits this flexibility within the learning environment as being essential to her success.
With five years of HR experience prior to starting the programme, Christina found strong value in being able to apply academic learning directly into her day-to-day work, strengthening both her technical skills and professional confidence. Her experience at NCI helped her develop an evidence-based approach to her work and encouraged her to take time to reflect before making decisions, something which is critical to strategic HR. The course also helped Christina develop a growth mindset and become more disciplined with her work, a skill she continues to employ in her career today.
Career Progression in HR
During the course, Christina made a career move within the healthcare sector before transitioning into a large multinational financial technology organisation after graduating. Completing the degree played a key role in supporting her progression including her promotion from Talent Acquisition Partner to HR Business Partner, a role closely aligned with her studies.
Reflecting on this stage of her journey, Christina notes the confidence she gained in her decision-making and professional capability in her HR career.
Building a Business and Looking Forward
In 2025, Christina took the next significant step in her career by founding Inalead HR, her own HR consultancy supporting small businesses. This milestone carries particular meaning given her early struggles in education and the belief she once held that higher education was not for her.
"I am proud to own a business that I can call my own and deliver excellent support to small businesses relating to HR."
As NCI marks its 75th anniversary, Christina see the College as a place that empowers individuals to return to education at the right time in their lives. Thanks to the flexibility of the part-time evening classes, she was able to commit while continuing to work full-time. Her achievement drew immense pride from her mother on her graduation day, a happy moment that confirmed NCI was the best choice for her HR education, an area the College has built a reputation for excellence in since it was founded.
In terms of advice for today's students, Christina would encourage them to take hold of new opportunities, even if they are outside of their comfort zone, as they may challenge you in a new way.
Christina's story is one of resilience, confidence and growth and serves as a reminder that flexible education pathways can help people rediscover their potential and build careers they once thought were beyond their reach.
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