How important are undergrad grades in IP? Go 4 master's? Forum

[ok2bedifferent]

I am attending a top tier law school, went to a top tier undergrad for electrical engineering, but my undergrad grades are less than stellar. Is that going to be a problem once I apply for jobs? Would going for a master's in engineering help counterbalance those poor grades?

[09042014]

I am attending a top tier law school, went to a top tier undergrad for electrical engineering, but my undergrad grades are less than stellar. Is that going to be a problem once I apply for jobs? Would going for a master's in engineering help counterbalance those poor grades?

There isn't a clear line in the sand but firms who do patent prosecution normally care, firms who do only IP lit don't. How bad is "less than stellar"? Below 3.0?

How would you even get into a decent master's program?

[ajr]

I am attending a top tier law school, went to a top tier undergrad for electrical engineering, but my undergrad grades are less than stellar. Is that going to be a problem once I apply for jobs? Would going for a master's in engineering help counterbalance those poor grades?

No, don't do a master's just for this. You have to explain your poor grades somehow if that comes up, but it typically won't. With EE and a good law school, you'll be fine.

[ok2bedifferent]

I am attending a top tier law school, went to a top tier undergrad for electrical engineering, but my undergrad grades are less than stellar. Is that going to be a problem once I apply for jobs? Would going for a master's in engineering help counterbalance those poor grades?

There isn't a clear line in the sand but firms who do patent prosecution normally care, firms who do only IP lit don't. How bad is "less than stellar"? Below 3.0?

How would you even get into a decent master's program?

Yes, less than 3.0. I've contacted a local university's EE department and they said that I'd have to retake some of the classes and depending on how I do, I can then be admitted. All master's program I have researched so far require a 3.0 gpa or above.

[09042014]

I am attending a top tier law school, went to a top tier undergrad for electrical engineering, but my undergrad grades are less than stellar. Is that going to be a problem once I apply for jobs? Would going for a master's in engineering help counterbalance those poor grades?

There isn't a clear line in the sand but firms who do patent prosecution normally care, firms who do only IP lit don't. How bad is "less than stellar"? Below 3.0?

How would you even get into a decent master's program?

Yes, less than 3.0. I've contacted a local university's EE department and they said that I'd have to retake some of the classes and depending on how I do, I can then be admitted. All master's program I have researched so far require a 3.0 gpa or above.

That sounds like a long, pretty expensive endeavor.

What law school are you going to? If its T14, as long as you don't shit the bed at law school, you'll probably get a job in Patent Litigation. I wouldn't bother. If it's like Tulane or something, it might be a different story.

[Gamecubesupreme]

I know people who got offered jobs in IP (patent, to be more specific) even though their law school grades were below 3.0.

I imagine most companies care even less about your undergrad grades as long as you have the prerequisite degree that they're looking for.

[09042014]

I know people who got offered jobs in IP (patent, to be more specific) even though their law school grades were below 3.0.

I imagine most companies care even less about your undergrad grades as long as you have the prerequisite degree that they're looking for.

Typically the ones who don't care about your law grades, do in fact care about the engineering grades.

[patentlybored]

I've been researching this same question. I'm in a similar situation as you op, except my ug GPA s higher. I haven't found a definitive answer regarding whethr an advanced degree is valued much by firms, for ee anyway. Would like to hear what others have to say. Right now I'm planning on finishing masters because my company will pay for half so why not?

[Agent]

+1 to whatever DF said above.