Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

Treating incoming patent applications in my area of technical expertise, from first assessment to grant stage. For each application, a search for relevant publications is carried out, in order to assess the patentability of the invention. Legal requirements are also checked.

A typical day involves a lot of reading, partly on screen. Both the patent applications as well as a lot of related publications need to be read and analysed quickly. The other main part is the writing of communications to applicants, which need to be clear, concise and legally sound. On rarer occasions, telephone conversations with applicants over technical details are necessary, or the applicant might be invited to the office for a formal interview.

That there is very often the opportunity (if not necessity) to learn something new. I can also work from home three days per week, which makes life much easier.

The amount of reading required can be overwhelming sometimes, and there is often limited time available. So a good time management is essential in the long run. The requirement to speak three languages (English, German and French) is also challenging.

I always liked reading, I liked being part of the scientific peer review process (which is similar to examining patent applications, although we are generally more rigorous). It is also a long term, secure position without the requirement to relocate every few years. Also, the very international working environment appealed to me.

With respect to my technical knowledge, just about everything I have ever learned about my subject has proven useful. In addition to that, the training about the legal aspects that the office provides in the form of initial training is indispensable. Also, I work in English and German regularly, and occasionally in French.

After finishing my PhD, I continued as a researcher for a couple of years (in Sheffield) before starting my current job.

This is a permanent position, so I might be here for quite a while.

The minimum requirements for entry at the EPO is an engineering Master, as well as fluency in two of the three official languages (English, German, French) when you start (you would be required to learn the third). You should also be aware that you would be required to work either in Germany or the Netherlands. You might also want to look into careers as a patent attorney.