Joy Marcus ’86, venture partner at Jerusalem Venture Partners
What made you decide to pursue a career in entrepreneurship/venture capital/startups after NYU Law?
I am by nature a builder. While I loved the law, I frankly found it too restrictive. I did not want to be implementing other peoples’ plans as a corporate lawyer. I wanted to make the plans.
How did NYU Law prepare you for this career?
Highly analytical thinking, learned so well at NYU Law, has been a help in everything I do.
Why do you think lawyers find success in this career path?
We are taught to think around the edges. We are great problem solvers. In the end the best skill in building a business is the ability to problem solve.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as a lawyer in this career path?
The transition to an "if you build it, will they come?"[mindset]. For a corporate lawyer, life was less risky.
What is the most important thing students should do to prepare themselves for a career in entrepreneurship, venture capital or at a startup?
Start a company or social enterprise. Build something from scratch, whether it is a club at NYU or the next Facebook.
What was the most important lesson you learned in your career thus far?
Surround yourself with the best people possible—preferably smarter and better than you. Then listen.