I had posted previously of plans to begin my first job with a local law firm this month. The firm deals exclusively with the preparation and prosecution of patents and has a handful of corporate clients (perhaps a dozen or more) which constitute the majority of their business. I was to work under a junior partner specializing in semiconductor-related technology, which is my field of interest having earned my bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering.
Unfortunately, the recent downturn in the economy has resulted in a significant decrease in patent acquisition budgets in many industries, including the semiconductor industry. Consequently, several of the firm's big clients have notified them that they intend to reduce their annual filings by 20-30% in 2009-2010. Long story short, the firm has notified me that they were forced to downsize and are no longer able to offer me a position. This was pretty disappointing news especially since it occurred only a few days after I sat for the state bar exam (which, for those who have not had the pleasure carries its own roller-coaster of emotions).
Anyhow, the world has not ended and the sun will come up tomorrow. The firm allowed me to keep my signing bonus and the managing partner promised to write a letter of recommendation in reference to my internship last summer. My parents have offered support and told me not to worry about living expenses during the interim.
However, the feeling of uncertainty is absolutely consuming. For the first time in my life I really have no idea of what lies ahead. After high-school there was the excitement of college. After college there was the anticipation of Law School. After Law School, there was the pressure of the Bar exam and the promise of my first job.
I am currently performing some market research and narrowing down the firms in which I will submit resumes to (will be taking the scattershot approach). If I don’t have any luck with that approach, then I will probably enlist the services of one of the headhunters that contacted me after I passed the patent bar. If this to produces no results, then I will apply to the USPTO (patent office) in hopes of becoming a patent examiner (albeit at a significant pay cut). I suppose if that is unsuccessful, then I will look for an engineering job and if that road produces no ‘fruit’ then I suppose Dillard’s is always hiring?
Anyhow, I understand my problems may sound miniscule in comparison to those who have seen their retirement accounts dwindle over the past few months and I am not looking for sympathy.
I suppose this post is an attempt to reassure those who have also bourn the negative implications of these difficult times. The recession’s impact is not limited to a particular generation and has affected both young and “experienced” alike.
Good Day, my valued ER friends. May tomorrow’s skies be brighter than today’s.
Unfortunately, the recent downturn in the economy has resulted in a significant decrease in patent acquisition budgets in many industries, including the semiconductor industry. Consequently, several of the firm's big clients have notified them that they intend to reduce their annual filings by 20-30% in 2009-2010. Long story short, the firm has notified me that they were forced to downsize and are no longer able to offer me a position. This was pretty disappointing news especially since it occurred only a few days after I sat for the state bar exam (which, for those who have not had the pleasure carries its own roller-coaster of emotions).
Anyhow, the world has not ended and the sun will come up tomorrow. The firm allowed me to keep my signing bonus and the managing partner promised to write a letter of recommendation in reference to my internship last summer. My parents have offered support and told me not to worry about living expenses during the interim.
However, the feeling of uncertainty is absolutely consuming. For the first time in my life I really have no idea of what lies ahead. After high-school there was the excitement of college. After college there was the anticipation of Law School. After Law School, there was the pressure of the Bar exam and the promise of my first job.
I am currently performing some market research and narrowing down the firms in which I will submit resumes to (will be taking the scattershot approach). If I don’t have any luck with that approach, then I will probably enlist the services of one of the headhunters that contacted me after I passed the patent bar. If this to produces no results, then I will apply to the USPTO (patent office) in hopes of becoming a patent examiner (albeit at a significant pay cut). I suppose if that is unsuccessful, then I will look for an engineering job and if that road produces no ‘fruit’ then I suppose Dillard’s is always hiring?
Anyhow, I understand my problems may sound miniscule in comparison to those who have seen their retirement accounts dwindle over the past few months and I am not looking for sympathy.
I suppose this post is an attempt to reassure those who have also bourn the negative implications of these difficult times. The recession’s impact is not limited to a particular generation and has affected both young and “experienced” alike.
Good Day, my valued ER friends. May tomorrow’s skies be brighter than today’s.