Business Pathways Graduate Programme

Are you ready to be part of something bigger?

Step into a career with purpose — daa’s Business Pathways Graduate Stream is a two-year journey for ambitious graduates ready to shape Ireland’s future and open doors to the world. 

At daa, we don’t just operate Dublin and Cork airports. We support airport operations internationally, deliver global consultancy through daa International, and run retail operations in 27 airports across 13 countries through our retail arm, ARI. We’re building a sustainable future with a clear goal: net zero by 2050.

As a graduate, you’ll rotate through key business areas — from digital innovation and strategy to finance, operations, communications, and more. You’ll work on high-impact projects in automation, sustainability, and customer experience, gaining hands-on experience, developing leadership skills, and building a powerful professional network.

This is your opportunity to shape the future of Ireland’s connectivity, drive innovation in a global business, and grow your career with purpose and ambition.

Whether you're passionate about technology, strategy, or making a difference, this programme is your gateway to a career with real influence.

As a Business Pathways Graduate at daa, you’ll be immersed in diverse, high-impact projects that shape the future of aviation in Ireland and beyond. Each rotation offers a unique opportunity to contribute to daa’s strategic goals — from sustainability and infrastructure to global retail and employee engagement. You won’t just observe change; you’ll help drive it.

Depending on your rotation, you could:

• Optimise global retail performance using customer insights to revolutionise travel retail, creating smart, personalised experiences redefining the passenger experience across ARI’s 27 airport locations in 13 countries.
• Advance daa’s sustainability goals by contributing to initiatives that support the company’s journey to net zero by 2050 — from energy efficiency to green innovation.
• Support major infrastructure investments by assisting in financial modelling, risk analysis, and strategic planning for projects like terminal expansions or runway upgrades.
• Enhance employee and passenger engagement by developing internal communications strategies and supporting cultural initiatives across daa’s international teams.

You’ll rotate across key business areas in Ireland and internationally, including Operations, Retail, Strategy, Safety, Marketing, HR, IT, Sustainability, and more.

Why This Programme Stands Out

This isn’t your average graduate job — it’s a launchpad for future leaders. From day one, you’ll take on real responsibility, work on high-impact projects, and gain global exposure across daa’s international network. Whether you're driving automation, supporting major infrastructure, or shaping the future of airport operations, you’ll grow fast and go far.

What sets us apart:

• Real responsibility from day one — make your mark on live projects
• Hands-on innovation — work on cutting-edge automation and tech
• Global secondments — experience daa’s international operations
• Accelerated growth — fast-track your career with structured support
• Sustainability Focus - works toward net zero by 2050, driving greener aviation and resilient infrastructure.

What You Will Develop

You’ll build a powerful foundation of technical, strategic, and leadership skills — all while developing the confidence to thrive in a fast-paced, global environment.

Key skills you’ll develop:

• Strategic thinking & problem-solving
• Project management & innovation delivery
• Communication & stakeholder engagement
• Adaptability, resilience & leadership
• Data-driven decision-making & digital fluency
• Global mindset & cultural awareness

After submitting your application, you’ll be invited to complete an online assessment. This must be completed within 5 days of receiving the invitation—applications without a completed assessment within this timeframe will not be considered.

Please note that all candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application once the application window closes in November.

Responsibilities

Do you have what it takes?

We want ambitious, curious, and driven graduates who are ready to lead and grow.

You should:

• Hold (or be expecting) a 2.1 degree or higher in any discipline
• Be open to travel and new challenges
• Bring strong teamwork, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Show ambition, integrity, and a growth mindset
• Be confident using Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Align with daa’s values and purpose

Qualifications

What We Are Offering You

As a daa Graduate, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive package of benefits designed to support your growth, reward your performance, and set you up for long-term success — both personally and professionally. From competitive compensation to world-class development opportunities, you’ll be empowered to thrive in a collaborative, inclusive environment.

Programme benefits include:

• Competitive salary with a performance-related bonus to reward your impact
• Support to earn a CPD Diploma in Project Management, enhancing your leadership and process improvement skills
• Flight subsidies, access to Airport Lounges and Fast Track to help you stay connected and explore new destinations
• Structured learning and development, including tailored training sessions, workshops, and hands-on experience
• Personalised coaching and mentoring to guide your career journey
• On-site gym and pool, plus social activities and volunteering opportunities to support your wellbeing and community engagement
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values diversity, teamwork, and your unique contributions