Eric Xirinachs, a graduate of TRIUM’s Global Executive MBA program, outlined the structure of TRIUM’s modular MBA program and the benefits he reaped to propel his career forward, including global exposure, positive networking opportunities, and an excellent return on investment for the monetary and time commitment of the course.
TRIUM’s Global Executive MBA program is currently ranked 4th in the world by the Financial Times in their list of Overall Global Executive MBAs, and has consistently been in the FT top five since it was first eligible for the rankings in 2006. The program is tailored for executives who are seeking a modular MBA with global exposure and networking opportunities.
The program is taught in English and consists of over 500 live classroom hours. Students are expected to complete between 15-20 hours per week of independent study over a period of 18 months. TRIUM’s consortium consists of three of the world’s leading business and social science schools — NYU Stern, London School of Economics, and HEC Paris. The studies are varied and diverse, including case studies, group work, and a final strategic global Capstone project which TRIUM graduate and CEO of Delta Tecnic Eric Xirinachs says often transpires into real-life entrepreneurial projects or businesses.
There are six on-site modules in the program which currently take place in London, Silicon Valley, Paris, New York, and Shanghai, with complementary content online:
After graduation, students may take part in a so-called “Module 7” – its location varies each year. The alumni module, set up by TRIUMers themselves, represents the international nature of the program and the strong focus on networking that TRIUM facilitates.
TRIUM’s student selection process is very detailed – which attracted Eric Xirinachs when choosing where to undertake his MBA.
Eric says, “A way of measuring the school’s quality is by what they required to be accepted; how much time were their interviews, how long were the essays. For me, by far the highest-ranking was TRIUM.” (10:08)
TRIUM programs have a strong focus on networking among students and alumni. With a rigorous selection process, TRIUM aims to create an exclusive and valuable network of high-level executives from all over the world.
Eric says, “The TRIUM community is very strongly connected. We treat each other as best friends. We have seminars where all TRIUM members can attend. You look for trade partners, board members, or advice. We have a WhatsApp group where we talk about everything global – the US elections, everything.” (20:24)
Eric, who resides in Barcelona, says that whenever there is a TRIUM graduate in town, he will show them around and help them out. The same happens for him when he is abroad.
This is one of the many advantages of studying an MBA in a global modular program: you are exposed to a diverse network of executives from all over the world.
The TRIUM program provides global exposure to its students – a highly sought-after asset executives seek for dealing in global markets. The rise of China and, more recently, Africa as emerging markets have catalyzed globalization and the diversity of trading partners. Eric says that when selecting his MBA, he wanted to choose a program that had an English-speaking environment with an insight into Asian markets.
TRIUM’s modules are located in different continents around the world, not only offering valuable international networking opportunities, but practical insight into the ins and outs of foreign markets. This reveals a key benefit that global modular programs have and conventional MBA programs may not: diverse, practical experience in different locations around the world.
Eric describes the benefits of TRIUM’s global exposure: “Each institution has a speciality. You go to London because of finance. You go to HEC because of marketing. Every school has a speciality. So having all those three together provides you with the feeling that you have the best of each.” (11:18)
He continues, “This international exposure attracted me very much. You could spend several weeks in New York City, then you’re in Shanghai, then you’re in Paris, and then India. You’re exposed to business leaders there. They have very interesting speakers which you don’t usually have access to.” (12:23)
The time and cost commitment for undertaking a modular MBA program, even if studied part time, is significant. The hours dedicated to the program are hours that could be spent with your family or at work. Therefore, Eric Xirinachs wanted to make sure the ROI was worth it: “I was worried about the ROI when I started. I started a workshop on the ROI, to see how we can improve the program to get a greater ROI. The program was very reactive to the students and encouraged us to form these workshops.” (21:22)
After graduating from the program, Eric explains just how significant his return on investment was: “Just one, or one and a half years after the program, I basically doubled my income. I was able to pay back very quickly the student loan. It was like a turbo charge for my career, and I was already quite successful.” (23:39)
Studying a modular MBA program requires a detailed selection process and significant time commitment. The return on investment, however, can be huge. Graduates like Eric have used the program to propel their careers to top executive positions, reaping the benefits of a global networking system and a better understanding of international markets.
