August 2015 NUI Galway MBA Students Visit New York

University Foundation provide unique opportunity for students to meet global business leaders

Students from NUI Galway’s Executive MBA programme recently took part in a week-long Global Gateway Programme at the world renowned Fordham University in New York City as part of their international study experience.

During the week, the students were exposed to world-leading academics at Fordham University where they attended seminars, workshops and lectures on a broad range of topics including global finance, leadership, change management, and participated in a ‘Teamwork through Jazz’ seminar hosted by musicians in the famous Jazz at the Lincoln Centre. The MBA class also visited Tiffany & Co. where they spoke to the Vice-President of Finance, Mark Aaron, about leading one of the most recognised global luxury brands. Other key speakers included Professor John Tognino, former Managing Director of Merrill Lynch and Professor Bill Catucci, former CEO AT&T Canada.

One of the highlights of the international study visit was an interactive roundtable panel discussion organised and sponsored by the Galway University Foundation entitled ‘International Career Reflections: Looking Back, Looking Forward’ held at the private New York Athletic Club on Central Park South. The event provided students with insights from senior Irish ex-pat leaders across a range of sectors who have achieved significant international career success. 

The panellists, many of whom are NUI Galway graduates, advised on how to craft successful careers drawing from their own varied and diverse experiences. “Each and every one of the very influential ex-pats was highly impressive, very inspirational, academically enriching and ultimately captivating”, said Denis Duggan, Enterprise Ireland and NUI Galway Executive MBA Student, 2014-16.  

The panel reflected on the challenges ahead for executives and business leaders. Elisha Daniels, NUI Galway Executive MBA Student, 2014-16, said: “It was an immense privilege to be in the presence of such esteemed business leaders at this event, and to have them share their stories of leadership with us. Each speaker was of an extremely high calibre and brought their own vast wisdom and experience to the table. Overall it was an inspirational event and provided great insight as well as practical advice.”

This year’s international study programme also included a breakfast event at the Irish Consulate in Ireland House on Park Avenue where the NUI Galway MBA group were hosted by the Deputy Counsel General, Anna McGillicuddy.

Dr Alma McCarthy, Executive MBA Director at NUI Galway, said: “We established the international programme on the MBA programme in 2011 and since then it is considered by students to be one of the most distinctive and greatest learning experiences on the MBA. We are very pleased to be able to draw on the excellent network Galway University Foundation has built in New York City and to continue our partnership with Fordham University.”

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