Duties

This exciting externship opportunity will start in early June 2024 and end no later than August 31, 2024. Some things you should know:

• The duties assigned to this position are authorized to be performed at the Texas Regional Office in Dallas/Fort Worth, TX area.
• Work Schedule:
  • In person reporting is typically on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
  • Optional telework day(s) on either Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or Fridays, except for federal holidays.

• You are interested in engaging directly with leaders in innovation to gain insight into the USPTO mission.
• You desire to develop or enhance your personal and professional skills.
• You're inspired by innovative environments that allow you to contribute to the accomplishment of organizational goals.
• You're committed to training and development on various topics relating to the USPTO and government service.
• You have an interest or background in studying artificial intelligence, machine learning, or other emerging technologies.
• You're excited about assisting with special projects and new initiatives.
• You're an effective writer who finds interest in drafting various documents and reports, creating spreadsheets and charts, etc., to present a variety of data and information.
• Assisting with IT projects excites you.
• You have an interest in redesigning business process improvement activities.
• You have an interest in assisting with researching and contributing toward analysis of IP protection and enforcement policies of U.S. and of selected foreign countries.
• You are excited about participating in outreach activities to internal and external stakeholder groups.
• You're enthused and interested in observing meetings, appeal hearings, cases, and panels.
• You desire to explore federal careers while completing your education.

All applications received prior to midnight (11:59 ET) of the day the application limit is reached will be accepted and considered. If the application limit is not reached by the closing date of the announcement, all applications received during the open period will be considered. Any required documents must be submitted at the time that you apply as documents will not be accepted past the day the application limit is reached, if applicable

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov)
• Meet educational requirement.
• Must be enrolled as a degree-seeking student in a qualifying educational institution.
• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• You must be suitable for Federal Employment.

How You Will Be Evaluated

• Benefits

  A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

  Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

• Required Documents

  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

  A complete application consists of:
  1. A resume or any other written format you choose to describe your job-related qualifications; optional cover letter: Your resume should indicate your citizenship and should list your educational and work experience including job titles, salary, employment dates, duties and accomplishments, experience.
  2. Transcripts and/or an Official Letter for Proof of Enrollment for the upcoming semester at a qualifying educational institution: You MUST submit copies of your school transcripts for verification of the education requirements. Unofficial copies are acceptable when submitting your application package. However, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. Also, proof of enrollment is required upon selection for the externship. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirements. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.

  You can upload your documents when you register or update your information on the Department of Commerce application site which you access through the USAJobs site.
  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

  If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

  Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

  Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

• How to Apply

  You MUST apply online. If you experience difficulties with the application process or do not have access to a computer, please contact the HR Specialist listed as the point of contact before the closing date of this job announcement.
  If you are a new user to the USAJobs Site and have never registered for an account; you will first need to create an account profile with your basic contact information and a resume to begin applying. You must be a registered USAJobs user AND you must be signed-in to your account in order to apply for this position. For help setting up an account or for general help using USAJobs, go to USAJobs Help Page. Once you have gathered all of the required information and are ready to begin the application process, click the "APPLY" button at the right side of the page. You will then be directed away from USAJobs to the Department of Commerce application site for USPTO. You must click "Submit" at the end of the application process to send your application for consideration.
  To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.gov/ and click on "Applications." Click on the position title, then select "Update Application."
  If you experience any difficulties with the application site, help is available! OPM has a Help feature on each page. Use this option when you need assistance.All required supporting documents will be collected electronically via the USAJobs "Saved Documents" feature.
  Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

  Personally Identifiable Information (PII) is defined as information that can be traced back to a specific individual and potentially compromise their security or privacy. Examples of PII include: date of birth, Social Security Number, and place of birth.Please ensure that you have removed all Personally Identifiable Information from all documents prior to submitting or uploading your applications material.

  Agency contact information

  Tonica Alicia

  Phone

  571-270-3527

  Email

  TONICA.BRUMELL@USPTO.GOV

  Address

  PATS - Patent Experience Extern Program
  Office of Human Resources
  Mail Stop 171
  P.O. Box 1450
  Alexandria, VA 22313-1450
  US

  Next steps

  You will receive a notice generated by the USAJobs System when you have successfully submitted your application. You will also receive notification through USAJOBS at each of the following points during the application process: (1) application received; (2) applicant assessed for qualifications; (3) applicant referred or not referred; and (4) selected or not selected.
  After all application packages have been received, we will review your application and transcript(s) (if you are qualifying based on education) to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications on the information provided.
  You can check the status of your application by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application has changed by logging into your USAJobs Account, editing your profile and changing the 'Notification Settings' to indicate that you want to be notified by email when the status changes. Information regarding the status of your application should be updated in the system within 2 weeks after the closing date of this job announcement.

• Fair and Transparent

  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Financial suitability
  • Selective Service
  • New employee probationary period
  • Signature and false statements
  • Privacy Act
  • Social security number request

Required Documents

Clarification from the agency

A successful candidate must be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a degree-seeking student at an accredited university either as an undergraduate, graduate, legal, or post graduate student.