Summer 2025 Student Extern - Office of Public Engagement (OPE)

Summary Imagine a transformative summer experience working closely with intellectual property (IP) leaders as part of the USPTO Extern Program. Here we celebrate, support, and thrive by building the bridge between IP and accessibility for all. This unpaid, volunteer program provides talented high school, college, and law school students with unique opportunities to gain valuable skills and professional experience. Join us this summer to learn more about various career paths at the USPTO. Learn more about this agency Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen or National. Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov). You must meet educational requirements and be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. You must be enrolled as a high school or degree-seeking student in a qualifying educational institution. You must be at least 16 years of age. You must be suitable for Federal Employment. You are required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check. Qualifications All applicants applying to participate in this externship must meet the following requirements: 1. You must be accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled as a high school student or seeking a degree, diploma, or certificate at an accredited high school, university, college; professional, technical, vocational, or trade school. For more clarification on acceptable education, please see the education section below. 2. You must meet educational requirements and be in good academic standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher. All education must be accredited by an accrediting body or organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Education A successful candidate must be accepted for enrollment or currently enrolled as a degree-seeking student at an accredited educational institution (including high school, 4-year college/university, community college, or junior college); professional, technical, vocational, and trade school; or advanced degree programs; or other qualifying educational institution pursuing a qualifying degree or certificate. Students must be in good academic standing (GPA of 2.5 or higher). Please note that if you will graduate prior to the completion of this extern program, you will not be eligible for this opportunity unless you are accepted for enrollment at a qualifying educational institution seeking an additional degree (diploma, certificate, degree program, etc.) or an advanced degree. You must submit proof of acceptance along with your current transcripts for consideration. Additional information Background Investigation - If selected for this position, you may be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306), to determine your suitability for Federal employment. The USPTO participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please visit the Department of Homeland Security Website. More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies occur within 90 days from the date the certificate was issued. All application materials become the property of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. If you believe that you have been discriminated against and would like to file an EEO complaint, you must do so within 45 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act. Claims of employment discrimination must be submitted to the attention of the USPTO's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity via email ([email protected]) or phone (571-272-8292). This externship position does not qualify for benefits. Read more Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.