epi Students Mentoring Programme

Please note: An extended pilot mentoring programme starts in June and registrations are currently open.

The epi students mentoring programme is a pilot initiative designed to support epi students as they begin their journey toward becoming European Patent Attorneys. It offers a unique opportunity for epi students to receive professional guidance in their road to European Patent Attorney qualification from experienced members of epi.

Purpose

The epi students mentoring programme is designed to provide structured, yet informal support to epi students as they prepare for becoming European Patent Attorneys and begin their careers in the patent profession. The programme connects students with experienced European Patent Attorneys who act as mentors—offering strategic advice, sharing insights into the profession, and helping mentees navigate the challenges of becoming European Patent Attorneys and early professional development.

Rather than focusing on technical training or exam tutoring for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE), the mentoring relationship emphasizes broader guidance: how to integrate into the professional community, how to build confidence, and how to approach the EQE effectively. This supportive framework aims to complement existing training and supervision, while fostering a sense of connection and encouragement within the epi network.

 

Key Features

• Exclusively for epi students
• Duration: 6-month pilot programme starting on 16th June with a kick-off meeting
• Mentoring Format: One-on-one meetings initiated by the mentee, ideally once per month
• Mentor Commitment: Around 10 hours total over the course of the programme

 

What It Is Not

• Not a tutoring or structured training programme (e.g., not like the CSP)
• Not a replacement for supervisors
• Not a recruitment tool

This initiative fosters meaningful professional development and encourages knowledge-sharing within the European patent community.