Choosing what comes after high school can be a big decision, especially when students are still figuring out what they enjoy, what they are good at and where those interests might take them.
Marist High School is giving students another resource to help answer those questions this school year with the addition of a Career Education Coordinator to its College and Career Center.
“Career education is not about telling students what they should do. It is about helping them discover what is possible,” said Jan Maratea, who has taken on the new position for the 2026-27 school year. “By introducing students to different industries, educational opportunities and career pathways, we can help them develop the confidence and direction they need to take their next step after Marist.”
Maratea, a longtime member of the Marist faculty, will work with students as they explore careers and consider the different paths they can take after graduation.
“I’m excited to help Marist students discover their strengths, explore career possibilities, and connect what they learn in the classroom to their future,” Maratea said. “My goal is for every student to leave Marist with confidence, direction, and a plan for what comes next.”
That includes four-year colleges, but it also means introducing students to skilled trades, apprenticeships, military service, professional certifications, entrepreneurship and jobs that do not require a college degree.
Maratea earned her bachelor’s degree from Saint Xavier University and her master’s degree from Catholic Theological Union. She also holds an Academic Life Coach certification, which adds another dimension to her work with students as they identify their strengths and set goals.
One of the tools students will use is Xello, a career education platform that allows them to research potential careers and learn more about what different fields require. Through classroom lessons and individual guidance, students can explore their interests, identify possible career choices and research the education and training needed to pursue them.
The program also will give students a chance to hear directly from people who have made those decisions themselves.
Maratea will oversee the Career Pathfinders Speaker Series, which brings Marist alumni and professionals from different fields to the school. Students can ask questions, hear about the realities of various careers and, in some cases, take part in demonstrations or hands-on activities.
Jeff Sankey, a member of the Marist Class of 1993, was the first speaker. Sankey, a veterinarian and owner of Palos Animal Hospital, talked with students about veterinary medicine and what it is like to run a business.
Other speakers are scheduled this semester from fields that include physical therapy, firefighting and emergency medical services, nursing, federal law enforcement with the FBI and local law enforcement with the Chicago Police Department.
Marist also plans to take career exploration outside the school. Students may visit trade unions, apprenticeship programs, businesses, colleges and community organizations to get a closer look at opportunities they may not have considered.
Career education will be part of classroom learning as well. Students will spend time looking at their personal strengths, researching careers, learning about education and training requirements and developing skills that can help them in the workplace.
The school is also looking to its alumni and connections in the community to expand those opportunities. Businesses, professionals, trade unions, colleges and community organizations can provide speakers, career fairs, professional panels and demonstrations.
The goal is not to have every student leave Marist with a career completely mapped out. Instead, the new position gives students another person and another set of resources to turn to as they begin thinking seriously about what comes next.