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I know there is a chance that the USPTO will not be hiring chemical/chemical engineering specialty patent examiners when I graduate in 2015. I already have significant volunteer/leadership success for an undergraduate. Would it thus be wise to stay away from the Peace Corps and instead get engineering experience on my résumé?

If that's all the Peace Corps meant to you (as a slight boost for the Patent Office, of all things? Really?), you probably wouldn't have lasted the 27 months anyway. It's not something you just do for your resume.

J90 wrote:If that's all the Peace Corps meant to you (as a slight boost for the Patent Office, of all things? Really?), you probably wouldn't have lasted the 27 months anyway. It's not something you just do for your resume.

I isolated a benefit for argument's sake. But thanks for all your help.

If you are still in undergrad why don't you do both?

Engineering Without Borders. Most engineering schools have chapters.

http://www.ewb-usa.org/about-ewb-usa/our-story

Are you married to the idea of working as an Examiner, or do you just think it will be helpful in getting a patent agent position? It definitely will, but I'm living proof that you can get a patent agent position without being an Examiner (and, by background is in chemical engineering as well).

If the choice is really between engineering experience v. peace corps and the end goal is to become an Examiner, then my vote is for engineering experience. I have none and wish I did. It will definitely boost your resume both for the USPTO and later on for patent agent/attorney jobs.