When asked what a typical job for an engineer after graduation looks like, most people think of an engineer working late at night, the only light source is a computer screen displaying complex code. As an electrical and computer engineering (ECE) major, there is an expectation that everyone wants to work as an engineer at a major company such as Intel, Apple, or Microsoft. However, I, and many other Viterbi students, did not pursue an engineering degree simply to work as an engineer, I chose ECE at Viterbi to use it as a stepping stone to pursue a career in the field of patent law.
The path from an engineering degree to obtaining a JD in law sounds to be a complete pivot since engineering and law appear to be at odds with each other. This is not the case. I love and am fascinated by engineering, but while exploring employment opportunities after graduation, I found that many did not excite me. That is until I stumbled across patent law. I discovered patent law while exploring different career paths, and it immediately piqued my interest because it blends my passion for technology with the legal field. To be a patent lawyer, one must complete an undergraduate degree in a STEM field and obtain a JD, allowing them to work in any number of areas including patent examination or patent litigation where you are at the forefront of new innovation. I love how through patent law, you are exposed to innovations in engineering from a big-picture view, while an engineering degree also gives you the background to understand the complex technology involved in the innovation.
Another misconception is that an engineering degree does not adequately prepare you for law school and working in the legal field. I have found that this is actually the opposite of the truth My engineering degree has taught me critical thinking skills, how to write complex technical reports in a way that a general audience can understand, and many other skills that are essential to success as a lawyer. Additionally, law school admissions enjoy seeing applicants with a unique background and experiences that an engineering degree provides.
I choose engineering, specifically ECE, because it is so versatile. My chosen path is just one of many paths that are made available with an engineering degree. An engineering degree can help you go to law school, medical school, business school, or graduate school in addition to getting a job in almost every area. An engineering degree allows you to pursue a successful career in whatever area you are passionate about; you are not limited to an engineering job although this is always possible. I have never been a fan of making decisions that close doors and engineering does the opposite, opening a door to any path imaginable.
