Jillian Berman is a writer for MarketWatch with a focus centered on student loan debt. As an expert on the topic, Jillian has spoken on various panels about this hot topic and is continually looking at trends in the ever-growing field. As a millennial herself, she knows what her peers are going through with trying to pay for college and the fears of taking on student loan debt. Which leads to asking, how can higher education be affordable? How should somone approach taking a loan? What are ways to reduce debit? As a graduate students at Texas State University, these questions arise a lot. Sitting down and chatting with Jillian was not only insightlful but also extremely helpful in navigating through a growing debt and preparing for what is next after graduation.

What’s the he good news? According to Jillian, companies are focused on helping employees pay off student loans. They are also are looking for ways to recruit on college campuses. She wrote an excellent post on MarketWatch about this trend and how college students should be on the lookout for Amazon’s second headquarters.

Jillian also notes to current job-seekers and employees to not get wrapped up in “one benefit” only,  but to weigh out other options. There are different ways to manage student loan debt and it is important to compare options when looking at jobs for your post-graduation or next big career move. It is important to examine offers becasue there may be a reason another company does not offer this benefit, however,  could still be the right choice. Jillian is one of four speakers on this panel discussion, so there will be many different perspectives on the topic that will offer attendees figure out different ways to manage their student loans. The panel is not limited to individuals with debt, but also shed light on organizations who are not currently offering student loan debt relief and showing how they can better structure this internally.

For any studnets suffering from student loans, this panel should not be missed during this year’s SXSW Interactive Festival. Jillian’s best piece of advice for attendees is

Educate yourself on all your options and think about the return on investment before picking what college you attend.

Sunday, March 11th
11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Fairmont – Room A

Find out more: Dear HR: Ditch the Pool Table & Pay Student Loans

Featured photo provided by Jillian Berman