Summary Imagine a transformative summer experience working closely with intellectual property (IP) leaders as part of the USPTO Extern Program. Here we celebrate, support, and thrive by building the bridge between IP and accessibility for all. This unpaid, volunteer program provides talented college and law school students with unique opportunities to gain valuable skills and professional experience. Join us this summer to learn more about various career paths at the USPTO. Responsibilities This exciting externship opportunity will start in early September 2024 and end no later than December 31, 2024. Some things you should know: The duties assigned to this position are authorized to be performed at the Regional Offices in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX, Denver, CO, Silicon Valley, CA, Detroit, MI and Alexandria, VA areas. Work Schedule (the reporting requirements whether in-person, remote, or hybrid may vary at the discretion of the direct supervisor/office): In person reporting may be assigned by the immediate supervisor. Otherwise, telework day(s) may be assigned, except for federal holidays. Apply quickly! Apply quickly! This announcement may be limited to the first 50 applications per location. If the application limit is not reached by the closing date of the announcement, the announcement closing period will be extended. Any required documents must be submitted at the time you apply, as documents will not be accepted past the day the application limit is reached, if applicable. As part of the USPTO Extern Program, you will receive practical, virtual hands-on experience by engaging in a variety of diverse and challenging activities. This exciting opportunity is ideal for you if: You are interested in engaging directly with leaders in innovation to gain insight into the USPTO mission. You desire to develop or enhance your personal and professional skills. You're inspired by innovative environments that allow you to contribute to the accomplishment of organizational goals. You're committed to training and development on various topics relating to the USPTO and government service. You have an interest or background in studying artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other emerging technologies. You're excited about assisting with special projects and new initiatives. You're an effective writer who finds interest in drafting various documents and reports, creating spreadsheets and charts, etc., to present a variety of data and information. Assisting with IT projects excites you. You have an interest in redesigning business process improvement activities. You have an interest in assisting with researching and contributing toward analysis of IP protection and enforcement policies of U.S. and of selected foreign countries. You are excited about participating in outreach activities to internal and external stakeholder groups. You're enthused and interested in observing meetings, appeal hearings, cases, and panels. You desire to explore federal careers while completing your education. This announcement may be limited to the first 50 applications received per location. All applications received prior to midnight (11:59 ET) of the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered. If the application limit is not reached by the closing date of the announcement, the announcement closing period will be extended. Any required documents must be submitted at the time that you apply as documents will not be accepted past the day the application limit is reached, if applicable. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications All applicants applying to participate in the externship must meet the following requirements: 1. Must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student at an accredited university (either an undergraduate, graduate, law school or post-graduate). Education A successful candidate must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student at an accredited university either as an undergraduate, graduate, legal, or post graduate student. Additional Information Applicants applying for this position must be a United States Citizen or National. Background Investigation - If selected for this position, you may be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306), to determine your suitability for Federal employment. The USPTO participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please visit the Department of Homeland Security Website. Relocation Expenses are not authorized and will not be paid. More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 90 days from the date the certificate was issued. All application materials become the property of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. If you believe that you have been discriminated against and would like to file an EEO complaint, you must do so within 45 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act. Claims of employment discrimination must be submitted to the attention of the USPTO's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity via email (oeeod@uspto.gov) or phone (571-272-8292).