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   Becoming a Patent Agent/Lawyer (Moderators: Forum Admin, JimIvey, JSonnabend)
   Civil Engineer trying to break into Patent Law.		 « Previous topic | Next topic »
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   Author  Topic: Civil Engineer trying to break into Patent Law.  (Read 943 times)
dsnutter
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Posts: 18
Civil Engineer trying to break into Patent Law.
« on: Dec 27th, 2006, 3:06pm »		 Quote Quote Modify Modify
Coming out of UG with a Civil Engineering degree should I fear that I will have a difficult time getting a decent (BIGLAW) job? I know the market is screaming for EE's and CompE's. I also realize there is not a whole lot of patent work in the civil field. Have I already screwed myself with not having a different degree? Would it be in my best interest to go for a master's in EE or something similar? Thanks.
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patag2001
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Posts: 82
Re: Civil Engineer trying to break into Patent Law
« Reply #1 on: Dec 28th, 2006, 3:59pm »		 Quote Quote Modify Modify
I have been an electrical engineer with a PE for over 30 years, and about 6 years ago I became a patent agent.  Patent work is fine; however, I’m glad I discovered patent work late in my career.  Otherwise, I would have missed out on doing some really neat stuff.  The idea of spending a whole career writing and prosecuting patents is not why I decided to become an engineer.  Currently, I have a job where I morph between engineer and patent agent.  Working only in the patent domain, for me, is not much fun.  I guess I like working directly with others too much to be a full time patent practitioner.  Patent work is lonely.  
 
My recommendation is to stay in engineering.  Particularly, a civil engineering degree is a hot ticket now days.  The classified ads are loaded with civil engineering jobs (many jobs substantially more than $100K) here in Phoenix.  Plus, if you can land a job with a City you’ll have a great pension when you retire.  
 
I hope this helps!
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dsnutter
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Posts: 18
Re: Civil Engineer trying to break into Patent Law
« Reply #2 on: Dec 29th, 2006, 8:50am »		 Quote Quote Modify Modify
Thanks for the advice. I know it is hard for me to give up being a civil because the job market is so good (I will be graduating in June and have more job offers than I could ever imagine). I was also thinking about going into construction law. I am just young and dumb. Hopefully I don't make too bad of a decision.
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