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There are approximately 1.5 million engineers in the U.S. today. Engineering is a challenging job with decent pay (an engineer's pay is higher than most with just a bachelor's degree). In fact, the average salary for an engineer was reported at just slightly over $65,000 in 2002. The top 10% of all engineers earned more than $90,000. Of course, an engineer's salary ultimately depends on their location and specialty.
Engineers find employment virtually anywhere innovation takes place. Engineers design and manufacture machines, processes, systems and even economical structures. They commonly work in the government, research, industry, military, teaching, management or consulting sectors.
There are more than 25 recognized career tracks for the engineer. And you can rest assured that as technology advances, engineering specialties will only grow in number. A few of the major engineering specialties include; aerospace, chemical, civil, electrical industrial, materials, mechanical, and software engineering.
You will at least need a bachelor's degree from a university engineering program to qualify for an engineering position. The degree must be from a college or university accredited by the ABET (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology).
To get into most college engineering programs, a student is expected to have completed two years of high school algebra and one year of trigonometry. They should have also completed one year of both chemistry and physics.
As you've probably heard, engineers are typically very good at math and science. So if the thought of algebra makes you squirm, this career may not be the right one for you.
The best engineers enjoy complex problem solving, and are true inventors at heart. If you choose engineering as a career, you can expect to be right on the cutting edge of technology. You will turn ideas into reality and solve problems that better society.
Choosing a career as a specialized patent attorney in the U.S. means being an attorney who has the required qualifications to represent people and corporations in obtaining patents. A patent attorney acts in all matters and procedures relating to patent law and practice. The career title carries different credentials and positions in various countries, so check for specifics needed.
Let's take a look at a few reasons why a career as a patent attorney is so rewarding.
Employment as a Patent Attorney is Challenging and Rewarding
Patents are involved in many areas of society; they are sought out by individuals as well as corporations. Patent attorneys are the foundation for getting the patent process completed.
Patent attorneys, also known as patent lawyers, act as advisors and advocates in the process, representing their clients and supporting their efforts with documentation and legal rights, obligations and suggestions counsel. They need a strong background in engineering or science.
Patent attorneys need to be licensed in order to represent parties in court. They need to be able to prepare trial work, think under the gun, and have solid speaking skills. Other skills needed are to be able to do research, prepare documentation and courtroom presentations.
Specifics of a Patent Attorney Career
The following list includes a few specifics related to a career as a patent attorney:
- Although most work is done in an office setting, law library or courtroom, patent work is also done on job sites. Travel may be a requirement. Lawyers in private practice often work irregular hours, while those on salaries average roughly 50 hours per week plus over-time during busy periods.
- Keeping up with the news, current events, and ever-changing laws in the patent industry are three “musts.”
- In 2004, there were about 735,000 attorney jobs, 3 out of 4 in private practices, with most salaried patent attorneys working in the government, corporations, or with nonprofit organizations.
- Job opportunities for attorneys are projected to grow as fast as the average rate through 2014.