Career development Movement between industry and private practice is common in the early years. Private practice entails the possibility of partnership. There is scope to enter management and advocacy or to be self-employed. The salary data was collected in Jan 97 Starting salaries in private practice are lower than in industry but are higher by the age of 40. Working hours and conditions Typically includes mainly 9-5 possibly with some extra hours Private practices are mainly in major cities.
Many sole practitioners are in new high tech areas.
In industry, agents are office based in early career with shop floor contact, and outside contacts later. These have most vacancies, tending to be in larger offices. Lifestyle implications Patent agents are well regarded as professionals. The work load is heavy and requires working to tight deadlines. Career breaks, part-time and home working are starting to emerge.