Preparing for patent trainee applications
/career
Considering a career as a patent attorney? With the trainee recruitment cycle fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start strengthening your application. Whether you are preparing to apply this year, or are still exploring the profession, these four practical tips will help build your understanding of the patent profession and give you a strong foundation for crafting competitive applications.
Develop your written communication skills
Strong written communication is a key attribute of successful patent attorneys. Fill your application with specific examples that showcase your ability to write, such as academic publications, literature reviews, grant proposals and communications targeted to a non-technical audience. You don’t need to limit your examples to technical writing: content produced through societies, volunteering, or other extracurricular activities can also provide excellent evidence of your ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
Demonstrate your knowledge of commercially relevant technology
Patents are often sought for innovative technologies with strong commercial potential. Identify the key areas of innovation within your field and look for opportunities to engage with them through your taught modules, research projects or extra-curricular activities. For example, in the life sciences sector, antibody therapies, vaccines and cell-based therapies continue to attract substantial research and investment. Building experience in these areas can help demonstrate both your technical expertise and your awareness of industry trends.
Build a strong foundation of the fundamentals of patent law through online courses, podcasts and virtual work experience
Free online courses, podcasts and virtual work experience programs are excellent resources for developing a foundational understanding of patent law and how it fits into the wider intellectual property law landscape. Familiarity with key concepts and terminology is an important first step towards understanding how patent attorneys help clients protect their innovations. Demonstrating this knowledge in your application shows both a proactive approach to understanding the profession and your ability to learn independently.
Apply for open days and vacation schemes
Open days and vacation schemes are valuable opportunities to explore the profession in greater depth, so I recommend applying to as many as possible! They allow you to engage directly with practising attorneys, ask questions about their experiences, and gain insight into the day-to-day workings of the role. These experiences will strengthen your application by demonstrating a clear understanding of what a career as a patent attorney involves.
Taking steps to develop your communication skills and understanding of the profession early will help you stand out throughout the recruitment process.
You can find out more about careers as an aspiring attorney at Boult here.
