Michael S.
About me
| Michael S. | |
| Chemistry | |
| Chemistry with year in Industry | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Derwent | |
| 2007 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Chartered UK and European Patent Attorney | |
| United Kingdom |
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A day in the life of a Chartered UK and European Patent Attorney in the United Kingdom
Operating at the interface of science, law and commerce
My career goals when I graduated
To enter the patent profession as soon as possible
My career history
I obtained a graduate role within the pharmaceutical industry after completing my final year industrial placement where I stayed for approximately 9 months whilst applying for roles as a trainee Patent Attorney. Offered a trainee position for a large top-tier firm which I accepted. Trained at that firm for 5 years whilst a became UK and European qualified. Moved to a competitor firm where I continue to be employed. Now a senior associate.
What has helped my career to progress
Hard work, determination and ambition.
Courses taken since graduation
Intellectual Property courses arranged through my employer and necessary for qualification as a Patent Attorney and for continued development.
How my studies have helped my career
A technical degree in science is a pre-requisite for a patent attorney and therefore my studies inform my day-to-day practice as a patent attorney.
What surprised me about my career so far
Confidence and self-belief go a long way
Where I hope to be in 5 years
Knocking on the door of partnership at my current firm...
My advice to students considering work
Do something that interests you but ALSO challenges you. If you're not challenged, you'll be bored no matter how interesting it may seem initially.
My advice about working in my industry
Persevere with the application process. Once you get into the profession, it is relatively easy to move around. Be prepared for a lot of hard work, particularly when revising for exams after a full day in the office.
What I do
Chartered UK and European Patent Attorney
Skills I use and how I developed them
Scientific knowledge acquired at university, written and oral communication skills as well as organisational and time management skills developed at university.
What I like most
Operating at the interface of science, law and commerce, working with interesting clients and being at the cutting edge of scientific innovation.
What I like least
Lots of deadlines to deal with and occasionally long hours in the office. Demanding clients can also be frustrating.
What surprised me most
How much I loved learning about the law that underpins patents.
Next steps...
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