Molex “Global Field Trip”

Jack Nadolny ’26 is beginning his senior year at North Central following 12 months spent studying abroad in Japan. His time in the country included the unique opportunity to become the first Cardinal to participate in a “global field trip” as part of the Molex Scholars program, a collaboration designed to provide undergraduate engineering and business majors with unique learning opportunities and access to cutting-edge equipment and technology. 
 
A global electronics leader and connectivity innovator, Molex hosted Nadolny at two of its facilities in Japan in June — immersive experiences that gave him a glimpse at career opportunities with a global engineering and manufacturing company and working in a diverse, international environment. 
 
Visiting two facilities 
The first day, he visited the company’s head office in Tokyo connecting with young professionals from across the globe and meeting with key functional teams in product design, product management, global sales, demand planning and supply chain, and finance. 
 
The next day, he toured a Molex manufacturing facility in Shizuoka — receiving a guided tour of the production line and meeting local team members, which provided him with a cultural introduction to the region. 
 
“As an international business major with a minor in Japanese, touring Molex’s facilities in Japan was a valuable experience,” Nadolny said. “The people at Molex were what truly made it a standout experience. Everyone was very kind and open to my many questions, providing me with numerous valuable and helpful answers." 
 
The Molex Scholars program 
The Molex Scholars program is an extension of a long history of collaboration between North Central and Molex, which is headquartered in Lisle, Ill., a town adjacent to Naperville, where North Central is located. 
 
The program includes global field trip experiences for students, like Nadolny, who are studying abroad through the College’s Center for Global Education in locations that overlap with Molex’s global footprint in more than 38 countries. It also provides scholarship opportunities and more for North Central undergraduate students who are studying engineering and business. 
 
Cardinal connections 
Nadolny’s Molex visit included a Cardinal alumni connection: Steve Drysdale ’99, vice president and general manager, Micro Solutions Business Unit, at Molex in Tokyo. Drysdale, who majored in marketing at North Central, welcomed Jack on the first day and met with him at the end of the second day.  
 
“When I sat down with Jack, I introduced him to Molex’s vision, shared our corporate values, and wrapped up with honest feedback,” Drysdale said. “The immersive orientation gave him a well-rounded understanding of Molex’s operations and a meaningful connection to our people and values.” 
 
Drysdale added: “Helping a fellow Cardinal advance in their professional journey is both a privilege and a profound responsibility. I wasn't just delivering information. I was extending the hand of our community — paying forward the guidance and support I once received. North Central played a significant and fulfilling role in my young adult life and development.” 
 
Nadolny said tapping into North Central’s supportive alumni network was an added benefit to an already enriching couple of days. “Having made a great connection like Steve, as well as everyone else there, makes me feel incredibly lucky for the experience." 

Through North Central’s Center for Global Education, Nadolny was an exchange student at Aoyama Gakuin University, an institution with longstanding ties to the College. Learn more about North Central’s study abroad opportunities.