Rosalind (Roz) Reischer, Certificate '16, is currently an associate director at APCO's Washington, D.C.-based Public Affairs practice.
Roz studied Chinese and East Asian Studies at the University of Virginia, then moved to China and worked for a few years in HR and recruiting for a Chinese company. She transitioned to the Hopkins-Nanjing Center because she wanted to learn more about energy security and international relations, and found the Energy, Resources and Environment (ERE) concentration a perfect fit for her.
What drew you to study ERE at the HNC?
When Roz attended the HNC and pursued the concentration in ERE studies, she described it as an exciting and unique time for studying the environment, national resources, and energy. She saw the Obama administration pursue the Paris Climate Accords, saw how environmental protection plays an important role in the international community, and viewed it as a way for her to make a meaningful impact. She also wanted to study how Chinese stakeholders think about issues like climate and how it informs China's interaction with the international community.
What drew you to DC after graduation from the HNC?
After graduation she moved to Shanghai and worked at the Nicobar Group, a consulting group focusing on engagement between the United States and China in the civil nuclear industry. However, she noted that it is difficult navigating work visas in China and returned to DC, where she was offered attractive and exciting roles to apply her understanding of China policy and international relations. In DC she has worked at the Project 2049 Institute, a research organization promoting American security interests in Asia. Following her time there, Roz spent two years in government relations and business advisory consulting with the Asia practice at McLarty Associates before joining APCO.
What led you to the consulting industry?
Roz was initially interested in a career at the State Department but through her HNC studies and work experiences, she became intrigued in private companies' operations abroad. She enjoys that, in consulting, you are able to gain exposure to many different industries, sectors and organizational styles. She appreciates being able to work with different clients and learn about their different issues, challenges, as well as commonalities. In her role, Roz has advised international companies across many sectors including tech, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals. She has also advised clients on the implications of changes in U.S.-China relations for business interests.
Interview conducted by Grace Faerber.