Jessie VanderVeen ’04, chief marketing officer at Controlant
What made you decide to pursue a career in entrepreneurship/venture capital/startups after NYU Law?
I pivoted into tech after moving abroad. I joined a technology team in its infancy and was able to scale its marketing and legal teams from the ground up. I really enjoyed it, and have remained in tech ever since. The experience taught me that I have an entrepreneurial mindset. I like being part of a mission, building programs and company functions from the ground up, and generating a positive impact. In my current role, I have been able to help reduce supply chain waste and improve customer centricity through real-time technology, which is currently monitoring the distribution and storage of COVID-19 vaccines.
How did NYU Law prepare you for this career?
My NYU Law education prepared me for critical thinking and the skills needed to deal effectively with ambiguity. In a start-up, this skill set has proven to be invaluable, when decisions need to be made quickly, and where many possibilities exist. I think back on classes and the Socratic method generally. By asking questions and engaging in dialogue in a fast-growing start-up setting, we can challenge our assumptions and expand our creative capabilities, building the most effective products that solve customer needs.
Why do you think lawyers find success in this career path?
A legal and analytical mindset helps one to distill complexities, identify opportunities, and act swiftly where there is no clear answer. The hard work needed to succeed in law school and in a legal setting helps prepare individuals to apply their skills to the technology setting, especially in the start-up stage.
What was the biggest challenge you faced as a lawyer in this career path?
Start-up life is as high-pressured as law school and corporate law work is, if not more so. I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to build and grow at several start-ups and high-growth companies. Each has presented its own unique challenges and opportunities. In some, balance and focus were challenges, as there were many hats that needed to be worn. At others, breaking into a nonlegal role posed some challenges, as I pivoted my focus and career.
What is the most important thing students should do to prepare themselves for a career in entrepreneurship, venture capital or at a startup?
It's important to build and leverage relationships early on. Speak to founders and those already working in venture capital to determine whether this setting is the right one for you. Take classes in entrepreneurship and venture capital, if possible. Look for opportunities to intern at, or work with, teams that need a legal or operational mindset. Start building your team with like-minded individuals and apply for grants and funding. It's never too early to start.
What was the most important lesson you learned in your career thus far?
Resiliency and agility are important when working in a start-up setting. Critical thinking and problem solving are extremely important. The analytical and reasoning skills that are developed during law school and within the legal setting can prove invaluable in the start-up realm, where swift decision-making and critical problem solving skills are needed.