Student Programs

If you're a student with an interest in business, finance, IT and others, look into the engaging possibilities of a career at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, in one of a variety programs unique to the federal government workplace. Consider your options below:

Student Educational Employment Program (SEEP)

This program provides either temporary employment for a specified period under the Student Temporary Employment Program (formerly the Stay-in-School Program, STEP), or career-related employment under the Student Career Experience Program (formerly referred to as the Co-Op Program, SCEP). These positions are filled on an "as needed" basis.

Student Volunteer Program (SVP)

Unpaid internships are available through this program, which allows students to gain valuable experience in their field of study. Volunteer positions may commence at any time, pending a signed student volunteer agreement between the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, the student and the student's college or university.

Students, who desire an internship other than for an opportunity as a patent law student or in the engineering and science disciplines, please note that there may be limited paid and unpaid internships and externships opportunities in the Trademarks and the Corporate business units. These opportunities range in the human resources field, trademark law, information technology, international affairs, procurement, and other intellectual property-related areas.

Length of program: Generally about eight weeks.

Students get to experience what it's like to work in our environment, as well as interact with experts in several disciplines, explore opportunities and develop or enhance your personal and professional skills.

NOTE: USPTO does not provide rooming and accommodation for this program.

For more information about these opportunities, students may email inquiries to: studentinquiriesTMCO@uspto.gov

Patent Experience Extern Program (PEEP)

The USPTO’s Patents business unit is not sponsoring internships at this time due to budgetary constraints. Patents is sponsoring an externship or student volunteer program, which is unpaid. These opportunities are available in the areas of engineering, science, Office of Petitions, Search, Information and Research Administration (SIRA), and include law students.

These opportunities provide work experience related to their academic program, and allow the students to explore career options and develop their personal and professional skills. Students will also be exposed to our work environment and learn about our mission, as well as the responsibilities of various patent practices, including practical working knowledge of patent decision-making processes.

Students get to experience what it's like to be a Patent Examiner and work in our environment, as well as interact with experts in several disciplines, explore opportunities and develop or enhance your personal and professional skills.

Length of program: Generally about eight weeks.

NOTE: USPTO does not provide rooming and accommodation for this program.

To apply for the SVP, students may submit a cover letter, resume and transcripts. These can be emailed to Recruitment@uspto.gov,

or mailed to:

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
550 Elizabeth Lane, Suite 1A72
Alexandria, VA 22314
Attn: Student Programs