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.
Eamon Sharkey, Director of Fundraising at Dublin Simon Community
Alumni Spotlight: Eamon Sharkey
Master of Business Administration (MBA), 2020
Director of Fundraising and Communications, Dublin Simon Community
About Eamon
With a career dedicated to driving impact in the non-profit sector, Eamon Sharkey has held senior leadership roles across some of Ireland’s most recognisable humanitarian and social organisations. After several years with GOAL where he oversaw major fundraising and communications initiatives, Eamon later joined the Dublin Simon Community, where he currently serves as Director of Fundraising and Communications.
Working at the intersection of purpose, strategy, and community impact, Eamon’s professional path reflects both a commitment to social change and a continuous drive to grow and strengthen his skillset.
Why Eamon Chose the MBA at NCI
Before starting the Master of Business Administration (MBA), Eamon felt there were gaps in his understanding of the wider business landscape, particularly as it had been a number of years since he had last been in formal education.
When considering his study options, Eamon found that the MBA was the right direction for him as it was broad, touching on many areas such as HR, finance, and marketing, while allowing students to focus on key interest areas. He also felt employers would consider a postgraduate qualification to be valuable but that the prestige of an MBA would really help him stand out from the crowd.
Eamon felt that the prestige of an MBA represents more than an academic qualification and would allow him to elevate his leadership abilities in a sector where strategic thinking is essential.
Applying Learning with Immediate Impact
Reflecting on his time at NCI, Eamon shared that one of the greatest strengths of the MBA was how quickly classroom learning translated into real-world application:
“I could put the learnings into practice on a daily basis.”
From class discussions focused on theoretical approaches to organisational challenges, Eamon found himself applying new frameworks and insights directly into his work. These collaborative learning experiences strengthened his decision-making and strategic planning skills and allowed him to develop confidence to operate at a senior level.
This blend of academic rigour and practical relevance shaped his leadership mindset and continues to influence his approach to guiding high-impact fundraising and communications teams.
Professional Highlights
- GOAL: Eamon played a key role in elevating the organisation’s visibility and driving flagship fundraising initiatives, including the long-running and much-loved GOAL Mile.
- Dublin Simon Community: In his current role, Eamon leads fundraising and communications efforts focused on supporting people experiencing homelessness in Ireland, a mission that requires a high level of strategic insight, advocacy, and strong public engagement.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Eamon’s story reflects what the MBA at NCI aims to deliver: a transformational, confidence-building experience that equips leaders to make meaningful change in their organisations and communities.
NCI celebrates 75 years of shaping futures. Eamon’s journey stands as an inspiring example of how education, purpose, and leadership combine to create real impact. #75YearsofNCI