This profile is part of our Interdisciplinary Insights series, where IDS and GLIS alumni share how their MSU experience shaped their journeys beyond graduation. From career paths to real-world advice, each feature offers a glimpse into what you can do with an interdisciplinary degree.
Name: Adrian Olivares
MSU Degree: Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) in Social Science with a concentration in Economics.
Year Graduated: 2014
Other Degree: Master of Business Administration – Executive MBA, Michigan State University, class of 2026.
Why IDS: I chose IDS because even early in my academic journey, I understood that the world was becoming more global, more interconnected, and more complex. Traditional, single‑discipline paths felt too narrow for the kind of career I envisioned.
I wanted a degree that would challenge me to think across cultures, industries, and perspectives. IDS gave me exactly that. It taught me how to navigate ambiguity, communicate across differences, and understand the social, cultural, and global dynamics that shape modern business. Long before I stepped into executive leadership or pursued my Executive MBA at MSU, IDS built the foundation with:
- A global cultural IQ that helps me work effectively with diverse teams and international partners
- Social and interpersonal skills that are essential for leadership, influence, and relationship‑driven business environments
- Interdisciplinary thinking that allows me to connect dots others don’t see and solve problems holistically
In today’s business landscape, where industries overlap, markets shift overnight, and leaders must operate across borders, being well‑rounded isn’t just helpful. It’s empirical. IDS was the first step in shaping me into a leader who can adapt, collaborate, and thrive in complexity
Current Role: I currently serve as a Sales Manager (North America Tiers, European & Korean OEMs, and start-up OEMs) at Johnson Electric, a global leader in motion systems and solutions. In this role, under the Automotive Product Group vertical, I manage strategic customer relationships, drive revenue growth, and collaborate across international markets to deliver value in a highly competitive and complex industry.
Previous Experience: Before joining Johnson Electric, I managed international and technical accounts across several industries:
- Dart Container – International Account Manager for a global foodservice leader, overseeing diverse international accounts.
- I‑Tech USA – Technical Sales Account Manager, handling accounts in automotive acoustics, exercise equipment, and small appliances.
- NMB Technologies – Key Account Manager for automotive Tier suppliers in a highly competitive automotive market.
Each role required me to adapt quickly, learn new industries, and deliver results across borders. My IDS foundation gave me the ability to hit the ground running, connect technical and business perspectives, and thrive in global environments.
Words of Advice: Be bold, get involved, and stay curious. Ask questions because curiosity opens doors. Don’t be afraid of failure, it’s preparation for success the next time around. Embrace change because change is growth.
People need strong leaders, ones who will speak up for those who can’t or don’t have the power to do so. Stay connected within the MSU community, seek out resources. Raise your voice so someone else doesn’t do it for you.
Leadership is about courage, curiosity, and connection. Carry those with you, and you’ll be ready for whatever comes next.
