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Patent Agent/Lawyer Careers / IP career
« on: 12-23-03 at 07:07 am »
Hello Mr. Ivey...Mr. Auslander,
It seems like everyone comes here to get there career advice on IP career choices, and not to harp on the issue but I'd also like to ask a few questions as I'm also considering taking the plunge and hoping for the best.
I'm currently working in the Patent Office as an examiner (haven't run into any of your names yet ;-)), 2 years of engineering internships/co-ops and graduated this past August with a master's in computer engineering and obviously ran right into the proverbial wall that was the stagnant economy. I had no inclination of ever becoming a lawyer, but after joining the Patent Office (my only job offer) my interest was kindled, and after working here and checking this forum out, it is starting to gain some real momentum.
I've come to understand that being an examiner will not nearly be enough for me. As an engineer, I take great comfort in the process and the results. The writing and designing of code is a real stimulating force and the final product provides the satisfaction. Unfortunately, I've come to realize that this position will probably not provide that in the years to come. I was interested in one comment you made in that you mentioned you were basically a wellpaid technical writer. In essence being an examiner means I'm a technical writer also, just not well-paid. Does IP provide anything close to the engineering experience? I understand that there probably won't be any design or construction of ideas but will there be a big difference between what I'm doing now and a patent attorney?
I've read several of your posts concerning job experience and such, and I was just curious as to how important (and influential) my job experiences would help my gaining acceptance to law school, and then subsquently, a job. I understand that law school decisions are primarily affected by 2 things: grades and LSAT scores. Would my experience help at all or is that something that only firms have any interest?
Sorry for rambling on, but thanks very much for your time!
It seems like everyone comes here to get there career advice on IP career choices, and not to harp on the issue but I'd also like to ask a few questions as I'm also considering taking the plunge and hoping for the best.
I'm currently working in the Patent Office as an examiner (haven't run into any of your names yet ;-)), 2 years of engineering internships/co-ops and graduated this past August with a master's in computer engineering and obviously ran right into the proverbial wall that was the stagnant economy. I had no inclination of ever becoming a lawyer, but after joining the Patent Office (my only job offer) my interest was kindled, and after working here and checking this forum out, it is starting to gain some real momentum.
I've come to understand that being an examiner will not nearly be enough for me. As an engineer, I take great comfort in the process and the results. The writing and designing of code is a real stimulating force and the final product provides the satisfaction. Unfortunately, I've come to realize that this position will probably not provide that in the years to come. I was interested in one comment you made in that you mentioned you were basically a wellpaid technical writer. In essence being an examiner means I'm a technical writer also, just not well-paid. Does IP provide anything close to the engineering experience? I understand that there probably won't be any design or construction of ideas but will there be a big difference between what I'm doing now and a patent attorney?
I've read several of your posts concerning job experience and such, and I was just curious as to how important (and influential) my job experiences would help my gaining acceptance to law school, and then subsquently, a job. I understand that law school decisions are primarily affected by 2 things: grades and LSAT scores. Would my experience help at all or is that something that only firms have any interest?
Sorry for rambling on, but thanks very much for your time!
