One of the ways I've gotten more involved with my school is through the IP Law Society. Some classmates of mine had begun it last year but weren't interested in running it this year. I was and ran for president. I like being president of organizations. Like when I was president of the Silicon Valley WebGuild I regard it was an excellent way to support my community. I do enjoy "being in charge," and being so I like enabling other volunteers to do good work through the organization as well.
The first thing we've done this year is put on a panel in IP law careers. On Thursday we had 6 panelists, from technical patent prosecutors to entertainment lawyers to government policy setters, talk about their career paths and what others could expect working in the field to be like. We had a great turn out of students as well, pleasingly enough, especially in light of there being a competing career panel at the same time.
Originally someone from the Career Development Office was going to moderate, but I ended up doing some of it as it went on. We covered the meta issues about the lay of the field as well as specifics on how to hew out one's own career path in this area. Afterwards the panelists, who were very generous with their time, stayed around and answered individual questions from students. All in all it was a great success, and I'm particularly appreciative of the Society member who had done so much to extend all the invitations to the speakers and make our event happen.
Intended for 11/19 but written and posted on 11/21.