[GSixZero]

Someone suggested I look into working for the patent office as a patent examiner. Anyone have any experience? Anyone know anyone who does it? On one hand it sounds interesting, on the other hand I could imagine it to be quite grueling. Thoughts?

[Dork.]

Well, as for where you can find the patent examiners, I'm pretty sure the Patent Office is a good first step.

It might be worthwhile to get in touch with the union as well. They will certainly have a more meaningful (and less snarky) answer than I do....

[GSixZero]

Thanks for the links, I'm looking for personal experiences if there are any. I'm especially interested in the culture... it seems like the work could be interesting given the right environment, but in the wrong culture it could be a painful slog.

[mindwaves]

I'm studying to become a patent agent. Scheduled to take the patent bar exam in February. Not sure about patent examiners, but patent agents/lawyers do a fair bit of research of technical knowledge and a lot of time drafting patents. They also communicate with their customers frequently.

edit: I heard a patent examiner's work is pretty boring. It is best to become a patent agent which also has the advantage of having more pay generally.

[Mrjinglesusa]

I'm a patent examiner at the USPTO but I can't get into things while at work. I'll post more later. Post specific questions if you have any.

Oh, and it's NOT boring.