What an Associate Counsel at JW Player Wishes They Had Known Before Entering the Tech Industry
Molly, an Associate Counsel at JW Player, advises aspiring legal professionals in tech to embrace uncertainty by admitting "I don't know," then outlining a thoughtful approach to the problem; this honesty often proves more valuable than a potentially incorrect guess, ultimately demonstrating a stronger problem-solving process. The willingness to say "I don't know but here's how I'm going to approach the question" shows initiative and a commitment to thoroughness, which is highly valued.
Communication, Problem-Solving, Confidence, Overcoming Challenges, Industry Realities
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Molly Noreika
Associate Counsel
JW Player
UCLA 2015
University of Pennsylvania School of Law, 2020, JD
History, Art History
Arts, Entertainment & Media, Technology
Legal
Honors Student, Scholarship Recipient, Pell Grant Recipient, Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. In tech, sometimes saying "I don't know" is the best answer. It's better to admit you don't know something and explain how you will find the answer than to guess incorrectly.
2. It is more impressive to explain your thought process when answering a question, even if you don't know the answer, than to try to answer confidently when you are unsure.
3. Taking a moment to consider a question before answering can prevent mistakes and demonstrate a thorough approach to problem-solving
Transcript
What have you learned about this role that you wish someone would have told you before you entered the industry?
Something I wish I'd known, particularly as a lawyer in this industry, but I think it applies to tech broadly as well, is that sometimes saying "I don't know" is the right answer.
Sometimes you'll be asked a question where you have literally no idea where the person is coming from. Or you might think you know, but you start to second-guess yourself. If you try to answer what you thought you knew, you're not going to sound confident.
Admitting, "I don't know, but here's how I'm going to approach the question and here's my thought process," is much more impressive and usually more valuable to whoever you're serving. This applies whether you're working for a company or advising them.
I'm not saying it's always the right answer; sometimes you should be prepared and know what's going on. But if you're caught off guard, it's more likely than not that you're on the right track. It doesn't mean you're dumb; it just means you were asked an unexpected question.
It's better to take a moment, look into the right answer, and then come back fully knowledgeable rather than guess and have to correct yourself later. Taking that breath really makes a difference.