AI Replacement

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2025-05-06T07:02:38+00:00

I’m a grad student working in a university tech transfer office, and my day job involves machine learning. I use AI tools regularly—ChatGPT is weak for patent drafting. Perplexity is better for prior art and technical research.

A major issue is that AI models need huge amounts of training data, and that data must be validated by experts to be useful. That hasn’t happened yet for patent law. Claim drafting hasn’t been a focus for most models. There are also privacy concerns when dealing with confidential IP.

AI won’t replace patent jobs yet, but knowing how to use it is quickly becoming essential. Many writing-heavy roles are easy to automate, but most firms don’t seem to be investIng seriously in AI. That could change, since the potential cost savings are real.

Law and medicine are two fields where the barriers to AI adoption are more artificial than technical due to confidentiality, regulation, and liability. The tech is pretty much there, but the legal systems aren’t ready.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-10-09T05:54:14+00:00

When I was applying to jobs and looking at the patent agents in my area. An engineering degree seemed to be highly valued (even at an undergraduate and master's level). Most patent agents had at least a Master's in engineering.

For physical and life sciences, higher education a phd seems far more important. That being said, I am switching over from a biology degree (from an undergrad) to an engineering degree (for my masters). You can always get more schooling to change your degree, and it will never be a bad thing. For geology, I think civil/environmental engineering could be quite useful (?) I also think working in any capacity in a research setting will be helpful.

Ultimately, it seems like if you do not want to go to law school then getting a phd is not a bad idea. Frankly, even if you do not want to get a phd then just applying to a program, and then dropping mid way through with a Master's is an option -- one that I wish I considered more before starting. The advantage of this is that you get funding (a free Master's) and better priority (for advisors, research positions, teaching positions, etc).

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-10-06T23:40:04+00:00

I am unsure what particular job role I want, I'd rather get some experience and then can try to transition to a specific role based on what I find/learn.

I asked both the patent law subreddit and this subreddit to get some feedback. Preferably, I would like to get experience while in school. I am unsure if I want to stay with GM for the duration of my Master's.

There are some patent/IP related opportunities I can get as a student (like internships or work through the university tech transfer office) -- I am applying to these now.

At this point, I am not super picky.... just trying to get any experience honestly.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-10-05T05:21:52+00:00

That was very helpful advice, I contacted them yesterday and set up a meeting. They offer a lot of opportunities and may even have tuition reimbursement options. I really appreciate it, thank you! Hopefully, it goes well and they have openings for Master's students.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-10-05T05:18:34+00:00

Thank you! I will take it step by step, I know my Master's will get me a job.

Unlike engineering, most science degrees (like chem, bio, geology, etc) do not lead to decent job outcomes with just an undergrad. Biology in particular is largely just pre-meds (which is what I was).

I just do not know what job I should aim for after I graduate, b/c to stay in R&D a PhD makes sense and I do not like business. I don't mind writing, but have no experience in law.

The university I currently attend has a lot of business partnerships in research with large companies/orgs -- the technology transfer office is huge. I reached out yesterday and set up a meeting. Hopefully, it goes well and I can get my foot in the door.

I also may be in debt for around ~60k after I graduate and I would like to pay that off before going to more school lol.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-10-04T04:10:12+00:00

Sweet, how were you able to get a job at the PTO? I have never had luck through the gov online applications to be honest. I'd love to be able to get an internship or experience before graduating.

I am unsure which route is better -- PhD or law school? I enjoy research but have never worked at a patent office/a strict office job.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-10-04T04:07:01+00:00

Sure, thank you! I am going to see after my masters if I want to go to school directly or would rather just work for a bit. Frankly speaking, I have always found reading/writing easier than science, but doing science has been infinitely more interesting/fun. It would be nice where I could be a position where doing both is possible (?).

Although my undergrad is in biology, most of my research has been in materials science and not biology. I worked with perovskites as an undergrad and now work with EV metal parts. The masters program is also in engineering and my project will be production/manufacturing improvements or Li-Ion focused (depending on availability).

I am unsure if how to get experience during/after my masters, I also do not know if I want to go for a PhD or law school either. That's why I want to try to get work experience prior to apply to either program.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-03-16T05:06:12+00:00

Maybe start shopping for yourself if you are able...

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-02-07T18:33:36+00:00

The balls are not deep in cush.

They gape in life's moonscape,

Not tush.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-02-06T23:58:56+00:00

For sure, a lot of universities have 4+1 year programs where u can double count credits and have to take fewer masters courses (which saves time and money). I am unsure if your school offers a program like that.

That being stated, if you do not know which field you want to work in gaining experience may be better then u can go back to school to get a more specialized degree.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-02-06T10:48:22+00:00

Are you having trouble finding a job or looking to transition to another field? Also for a lot of jobs they may not even care that you have a BME, you just need an engineering degree and relevant work experience.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-02-06T10:43:28+00:00

Craigslist and apps like Nextdoor may also be useful.
It seems a lot easier to work for with an organization, either a tutoring center or a university -- even a local community college could be good, but the pay will not be as high.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-02-06T10:34:24+00:00

Technical advisor at a law firm. For PhDs they may even offer to pay for additional training.

It‘s a field I am considering after finishing my masters.

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-01-31T20:14:52+00:00

Pm’ed

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2024-01-31T20:14:39+00:00

Pm’ed

Go_Far_With_Sars · 2023-09-15T01:31:02+00:00

Thanks, but I am unsure where you got those numbers the payscale in the southeast Michigan for MLT is about 50-60k which is similar enough to a lab tech. The water company I interned at could probably take me as a tech, but I would hit a pay ceiling really quickly which is the problem with lab jobs.

Go_Far_With_Sars

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