The weeks following graduation can seem daunting. You have just finished 3 or 4 years of your life in which you have known security and structure. Entering the “real world” as a graduate can seem baffling and the choices of what to do next are simply overwhelming.
You might want to search for a graduate job or study at postgraduate level. If you are thinking of joining the Intellectual Property (IP) profession, however, the competitive nature of the industry means that it is important to think about your plans and start putting them into action as soon as possible.
If you have studied a science or engineering subject, you may be thinking about becoming a patent attorney. This industry is very competitive and, in order to obtain a trainee position, employers usually require graduates coming out of university with at least a 2:1 classification, as well as excellent A level results. Even once you have found a placement, there are a lot of exams and years of work before you are fully qualified. However, working as an attorney can be extremely fulfilling and offers excellent progression in terms of both career and salary.
Non-science graduates with an interest in a career in IP can look to find a position as a trainee trade mark attorney. A 2:1 degree is often required – with graduates of law, English, and other humanities subjects generally being looked upon favourably.
If you haven’t received a 2:1 in your degree, don’t feel defeated! While most employers do insist on a 2:1 for their graduate trainee positions, there are several other ways to enter the IP profession and boost your employability. It is still possible to gain a very enjoyable and rewarding position within the Intellectual Property industry.
If you don’t find a role that suits you and are still keen to progress in the IP sector, an alternative and potentially very rewarding option is to return to university to study Intellectual Property at postgraduate level. However, you’ll need to make sure you are doing this for the right reasons. If you’re just signing up for a course because you are unsure of your next step then get some advice. Postgraduate courses in IP can hugely improve your employability, but it depends on your goals and on the specific course you do.
Here at Dawn Ellmore, we have helped a large number of graduates to find their first role. We recently gave a graduate the confidence and advice she needed to secure a fantastic trainee attorney role with a leading IP firm. As well as this, we just helped a candidate realise their goal to work as an intellectual property administrator in a large city centre office.
If you are due to graduate, interested in intellectual property and are pondering your next move, then do not hesitate to get in touch. Send a CV to ip@dawnellmore.co.uk or call us on 020 7405 5039.