JESSICA RAUCHMAN | Age: 30 Director

Tishman Speyer

New York

As a finance major at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Jessica Rauchman took an elective class in risk management. She loved it so much, she completed a double major in finance and risk management. After graduating in 2011, she took an analyst role at real estate owner and developer Tishman Speyer in New York assisting with policy renewals and placements. Nine years later, she is now a director, focusing on risk management and loss control.

How will your work change going forward?

I think there will be a lot more virtual meetings and less travel. It’s become apparent over the past couple of months that it’s not necessary to travel for a one-hour meeting. You can get things accomplished via looking at that person eye to eye on a video screen. It’s amazing what technology has done and how we’ve all managed to make a bad situation into a valuable situation.

What should the industry do to attract more young people to work in it?

It’s important to have industry events tailored toward young professionals. There are a lot of events for senior management and for students, but I think there’s a gap for young professionals in their 20’s and 30’s, which is why I was on the board of the New York Young Risk Practitioners Group, affiliated with the Risk and Insurance Management Society Inc. It’s really important to get those people involved.

What is something about you that would surprise people?

I’m a huge foodie, I love going to all the new restaurants.

What do you know now that you wish you knew at 18?

Be appreciative of everything and don’t take the small things for granted in life. This global pandemic has really taught me that I’m so fortunate to have a job, close friends and family, and put food on the table.

All-time favorite movie?

“Pretty Woman.” It’s a classic.

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