For many students pursuing careers on Wall Street, the path can feel rigid: secure the right internships, build momentum early, and convert experience into a full-time offer. But for Jordan Forester ’08, this route looked different. Jordan was not met with immediate success, but with uncertainty.
As an economics major, Jordan was drawn to finance even though he didn’t know the difference between a stock and a bond. After continuous interviews followed by rejections, the post-graduation transition proved difficult and he found himself moving back home unsure of what would come next. At the time, it may not have felt like progress, but in retrospect, he sees this period as a turning point.
Leaning on the strength of the Holy Cross alumni network, he began reaching out, making connections, and asking for guidance. That persistence paid off. Through alumni support, he secured his first role on Wall Street, breaking into an industry that often feels closed off without a traditional background.
Once inside, Jordan built his career over the course of a decade in investment banking. Through long hours, technical growth, and consistent performance, he worked his way up to the level of Vice President. Then after ten years in banking, Jordan made another unexpected move, this time stepping away from Wall Street altogether.
Drawn to the growing urgency of climate issues and the opportunity to make a broader impact, he transitioned into the climate technology space. Today, he works closely with climate tech entrepreneurs, supporting those on the frontlines of the climate crisis. The shift marked a new chapter, one that built on the skills he developed in finance but applied them toward a different kind of problem-solving.
In the end, Jordan’s journey challenges the idea that there is only one way to succeed in competitive industries. Without a traditional entry point, he carved his own path, one defined by persistence, relationships, and a willingness to evolve. Ultimately, it’s a reminder that setbacks do not close doors, but rather redirect you toward something more meaningful.
Written by Curran Deehan ’28