Patent Agent Chose a Path Fulfilling to Her

Name: Katie White (she/her)

PhD: Materials Chemistry, UCLA, 2024

What was your main area of research?

I studied surface science at the nanoscale looking for atomic level insights and defects. I mainly performed Scanning Tunneling Microscopy and other related surface techniques.

What is your current job?

I am a Patent Agent at GTC Law Group, and I work remotely.

I draft patent applications, respond to Office Actions from the patent office, and conduct freedom-to-operate and infringement analyses to assess legal risks and patentability.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

I love that I get to learn new things every day.

What is the most important skill you developed or experience you had during your PhD that now helps you in your current position?

The ability to learn completely new things quickly!

How did you build the skills necessary for your current role?

Lots of reading and writing in both my degree path and technology transfer office

How did you find this position? What were the career steps you took to get to where you are now?

LinkedIn

PhD candidate ➡️ technology transfer office fellowship ➡️ passed patent bar ➡️ patent agent

If someone is interested in a similar role, what would you recommend they start doing now to prepare?

Study for the patent bar and start reaching out to current patent agents and attorneys now

Why did you decide to not pursue a career in academia?

It came easily to me - I didn't want a bench or academic career as they're not fulfilling to me.

What advice do you have for someone getting their PhD and looking to pursue a career outside of academia?

Work on your soft skills! Communication is very important and something many PhDs are not great at.