A career in IP

We all have ideas. And sometimes people will pay you for them.

Intellectual property – or “IP” – is anything that might be worth something, but where the valuable bit is more of an idea than a physical object.

A house is “property”, because there’s something physical there. The design for a house, on the other hand, is “intellectual property” because, even when it’s drawn out on blueprints, it’s the idea that’s valuable, not the paper it’s printed on. Read more about IP…

Careers in ideas mix creativity with the practical application of imagination through science and engineering. They combine the detailed eye of a lawyer with an enterprising business brain. And they bring together opportunities in arts, media, science and technology with solutions to global challenges.

Intellectual property is a current flowing under so much of modern society. That means working in IP puts you at the heart of important developments.

It also means careers in ideas not only bring respect and responsibility, but also good salaries and rewards. And because IP is a global system, there are opportunities to work all around the UK and in other countries too.

Take a look at this video if you want to know why now is such a good time to work in IP.

From high-flying lawyers to super-efficient administrators, from innovative designers to international business people, there are many careers in ideas and intellectual property.

Take a closer look at some of the roles, and meet people who do those jobs, to get a better feel for what might be right for you.

Whether you’re a school-leaver, a graduate or post-graduate, or a potential career-changer, there will be openings for you in IP.

At the more junior level, opportunities are more likely to be in administrative roles – but they are varied and exciting roles that soon bring responsibility and decent pay. If you’re organised and have good business skills, you can rise through the ranks fast. There are also plenty of opportunities to move from one role to another within the IP sector, or between different working environments, and generally to develop your career.

Attorney, solicitor and barrister roles tend to require graduates – often people who’ve studied science, engineering, law, or even a combination of them. Don’t make assumptions though – you may not have a law degree but that doesn’t necessarily stop you from working as an IP solicitor, for example. Do your research and make use of opportunities to “convert” or extend your qualifications, or to take less conventional but increasingly common routes in such as via apprenticeships. Many IP sector jobs involve at least an element of on-the-job training, meaning that employers are often looking for transferable skills and longer-term potential rather than specific qualifications.

For more detailed entry requirements, check out our descriptions of different types of IP role.

It can help to get some work experience in the field before you apply for your first job, but it’s not essential. Do attend “taster” events whenever you can, to get a feel for which roles, employers and working environments would suit you best. There are some great opportunities to put your toe in the water like this through our Summer of IP programmes.

We also have a Careers in Ideas Mentoring Hub, where you can get more personal support if you’re having difficulty accessing the IP career of your choice.

The wide demands of careers in IP – legal, technical, commercial and administrative – mean there are opportunities for everyone, regardless of background, age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, neurotype or physical ability. Read more about diversity in the IP professions…

All sorts of people find fulfilling careers in IP, from different backgrounds and in different roles. The jobs are generally well paid and offer more than just money. There are challenges, excitements, recognition and responsibility.

Meet some of those people here and hear their stories…