<p>dadofsam you seem knowledgeble in the area...do you know if its much harder to secure a job is you dont go to a top law school? and is there any awy to compensate (work in field, at pto, etc)? Now im not planning on that but just trying to get ready for worst case scenarios :P</p>
<p>Andrassy: First please read my post at the top of this forum, including followups. All patent attorneys do not go to the top law schools; there are ways to compensate. It depends partly on where you interview.</p>
<p>But note that in today's world there is no guarantee of getting a job in any field, including as a patent attorney.</p>
<p>I'm not interested in patent law - I just asked out of curiosity since I work for an engineering firm and Corbett seemed knowledgeable, and I used my own degree to explore an example of how someone might go about this if they don't want to major in engineering. However, I actually have a minor in Computer Science, and my BS in Math required the physics...so to qualify for the patent bar under the Category for Other course work, I'd just have to go back and take 2 Chem classes. </p>
<p>But again, ugh, patent law. I might as well have just stayed at IBM. :-P
I've served my time proving to myself and others that I can do the technical work and hang with the boys, now its time for me to get back to my roots and back to the people.</p>
<p>I might have missed this makalika, but what are your plans to get back to your roots and back to the people. (cryptic, huh?)</p>
<p>Engineering is tough but most classes are graded on a curve. The first and second years seem to be mostly weed-out classes, to see who's willing to put in the study time, and who will run for another major.:)</p>
<p>Are you ready for first year calc 1? Your trig and algebra skills need to be fresh in your mind. Most people don't do well in the higher math classes because they never really learned basic algebra or trig. I had to back track to my precalc book and work problems several times.</p>
<p>I wasn't the smartest person but I was older (6 yr navy vet) and was willing to get to school early and maintain a strict study schedule during the week days. Here are a few tips that I believe were critical for me to graduate with a 3.6 gpa:</p>
<p>1) Buy a calendar/planner and ink in your class schedule and use a pencil to schedule study time. I penciled in study time for each class every day, regardless of what homework was due the next day. If you only study for what's due the next day you'll go into fire fighting mode.. and get behind fast. You can always adjust things but you need a firm study plan. I never had to study in the evenings.</p>
<p>2) You can't learn math or engineering by reading the books like a novel. You have to work problems. I read the chapters and started working problems, then referred back to the chapter as required. If I really screwed up a problem I'd throw that piece of paper away and start the problem again on a new sheet. Sorry trees.:)</p>
<p>3) Always work one problem before and after the assigned problems. You'll be surprised at how many of those problems show up on the test. I had a tough time with engineering dynamics and got so mad at myself that I actually worked EVERY problem at the end of the chapter. Repitition pays off.</p>
<p>Good luck!</p>
<p>
[quote]
or trig
[/quote]
</p>
<p>by far my greatest weakness in upper level math courses - know your trig!</p>
<p>It means I'm not approaching my career choices with a "make as much money as possible" attitude anymore like I did when I was figuratively running away from poverty in my teens. I always wanted to do a service for people in need (specifically my own, Native Hawaiians aren't in the best of places right now, but I'm open to any great opportunity to help marginalized peoples) but instead I was afraid of being impoverished because it felt so depressing and hopeless when I was young...and so I didn't take risks when I first graduated...Just wanted the brand name job with the shiny, key card access office bldg, and the brand name salary to go with it. </p>
<p>There's no shame in money, I'm not putting it or the pursuit of it down, but what I meant in answer to your question lkf725, is I'm not afraid to let it go to pursue something more altruistic anymore... I want to get out of profit only driven organizations/positions and get back to using my intellectual talent (for whatever its worth, I dont claim to be the very brightest) to help people. </p>
<p>And your post came off a bit rude btw..you know, just in case your oblivious to your own undertones.</p>
<p>I absolutely did not mean to sound rude. I was just curious because my son is interested in IP law, but you said "ugh, patent law" followed by the getting back to your roots and people thing, thus implying that it was somehow an unsatisfying job that you were going to change. There was no intent behind the undertones you perceived.</p>