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.
Dayna Baker, Social Media Manager at Dublin Airport
Alumni Spotlight: Dayna Baker
Marketing Practice & MSc in Marketing (2014 - 2018)
Social Media Manager, Dublin Airport
About Dayna
Dayna Baker studied at National College of Ireland between 2014 and 2018, beginning with a course in Digital Marketing before progressing to a degree and later completing a Master's in Marketing. Having previously left college and taken a different path that included living abroad, Dayna arrived at NCI unsure of her direction but eager to find a learning environment that suited her strengths.
What stood out most about her time at NCI was the practical, hands-on approach to learning and the support she received from lecturers along the way. Project work, real-world application and a welcoming academic environment helped Dayna build confidence and discover where her interests truly lay.
“NCI gave me a chance when I wasn't entirely sure of my direction, and here I am today.”
Turning Passion into a Career
During her master's degree, Dayna chose to focus her thesis on influencer marketing, an emerging field that was still finding its place in academic research at the time. The insight and expertise she developed through this work became a foundation for her career and continues to influence her work today.
After graduating, Dayna joined Ryanair and went on to build a successful career in digital and social media marketing. She now works as Social Media Manager at Dublin Airport, leading content and influencer activity as part of a dynamic communications team.
Looking back, Dayna is most proud of turning a personal interest into a profession and helping shape the growth of social media and influencer marketing within organisations. Her journey reflects the value of finding the right educational environment and recognising that success does not always follow a traditional path.
Dayna's story is a reminder that there is no single route to success. With the right support, confidence and determination, education can help transform uncertainty into opportunity and passion into a career.
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