While studying finance at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, Jessica Rauchman took an elective course in risk management. She liked it so much that she double majored in finance and risk management. After graduating in 2011, she took an analyst position at real estate owner and developer Tishman Speyer in New York, helping with policy renewals and placement. Nine years later, she is now a director, focusing on risk management and loss control.
How will your work change in the future?
I think there will be a lot more virtual meetings and less travel. The last few months have shown that it is not necessary to travel for a one-hour meeting. You can get things done by being face to face with the person on a video screen. It’s amazing what technology has done and how we have all managed to turn a bad situation into a valuable one.
What should the industry do to attract more young people to work?
It’s important to offer industry events that are tailored to young professionals. There are a lot of events for executives and students, but I believe there’s a gap for young professionals in their twenties and thirties. That’s why I was on the board of the New York Young Risk Practitioners Group, which is affiliated with the Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc. It’s really important to get those people involved.
What would surprise people about you?
I am a huge foodie and love visiting all new restaurants.
What do you know today that you wish you had known when you were 18?
Be thankful for everything and don’t take the little things in life for granted. This global pandemic has really shown me that I am so lucky to have a job, close friends and family, and to put food on the table.
Your absolute favorite movie?
“Pretty Woman.” It’s a classic.
