epi Students Mentorship Programme
Please note: the pilot mentorship programme has started and no further registrations are possible at this time.
The epi students mentorship 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 students to receive professional guidance from experienced members of the profession.
Purpose
The epi students mentoship programme is designed to provide structured, yet informal support to epi students as they prepare for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) 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 exam preparation and early professional development.
Rather than focusing on technical training or exam tutoring, the mentoring relationship emphasizes broader guidance: how to approach the EQE effectively, how to build confidence, and how to integrate into the professional community. 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
- 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.