Many students view University as a place to earn a degree, but Jorden Marasco (BBA ’15) remembers Algoma University as the place where a lifelong network was built and where his future began in more ways than one. A graduate of the Bachelor of Business Administration program with a minor in Human Resources, he credits the University’s vibrant social atmosphere with helping establish a core group of friends that remains close today. Most significantly, it was through campus events and activities that Marasco met the person who would later become his wife.
Since crossing the convocation stage in 2015, Marasco has built a deliberate and successful career within the Canadian banking sector. The journey began at RBC as a Banking Advisor, providing foundational financial advice on investments and credit management. After three years, a promotion to Associate Financial Advisor at CIBC allowed him to manage more complex portfolios for affluent clients.
The transition toward leadership came six years into his professional career when Marasco joined TD as Manager of Client Experience at the Cambrian Mall branch. Leading a large team of customer service associates proved to be a natural fit. Following a competitive selection process, he was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager, a role he held for over a year. Today, Marasco’s focus is on coaching, development, and mentorship for the entire branch sales team.
Reflecting on the transition from student to leader, he points to several key pillars of an Algoma University education that continue to share his career. “Algoma University helped me in countless ways throughout my career,” Marasco says. These skills, honed in the classroom, now translate to weekly staff meetings and high-level presentations to executive colleagues. He notes that the University consistently pushed students beyond their comfort zones to strengthen their public speaking and presentation skills.
Beyond technical abilities, Jorden emphasizes the importance of teamwork and strategic thinking. In a leadership role where metrics are team-based, he believes the ability to establish clear communication and detailed action plans is vital. He also credits the University with instilling a strong foundation of ethics and integrity that continues to guide his decision-making in complex business conditions.
While professional accolades are rewarding, he finds his proudest achievement is the success of others. After recruiting a standout employee through a career fair outreach program, Jorden mentored them through various branch roles until they secured a position as an analyst. “I take pride in the part I played to help get them there,” he shares. This passion for developing people is a cornerstone of his leadership philosophy.
For current students at Algoma U, Marasco offers a mantra of resilience: “Be comfortable being uncomfortable. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and never be afraid to fail.” He also stresses the importance of maintaining both a professional image and physical well-being, noting that these are foundational to achieving results in a fast-paced career.
Even as a busy Assistant Branch Manager, Marasco remains deeply connected to the University community. Whether attending Chamber of Commerce Take 5 events or speaking with prospective students at campus career fairs, he continues to give back. By leveraging a professional network that includes many fellow Algoma University alumni, Marasco proves that the connections made on campus truly last a lifetime.
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