Rhys S.

Worked for eight weeks as Trainee Patent Attorney at Openshaw and Co., a UK and European intellectual property firm specializing in high-tech fields. Duties included analyzing patent applications, comparing applications against prior art for novelty objections, analyzing applications for inventive step, drafting objection letters to the UKIPO and EPO and drafting claim sets for patent applications. In this role I learnt to work collaboratively towards a shared goal, to quickly learn and apply novel information and to apply a structured and methodical approach to a variety of problems and applications.

Twelve-week work placement with IPFT, a small company specializing in development of innovative electric vehicle charging technology. Duties included analysis of existing technology, research into the future of transport electrification and direct contact with technology manufacturers regarding development and prototyping of IPFT’s invention. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, this placement was conducted remotely, which presented unique challenges. In this role I learnt to work independently whilst part of a team, to collaborate on a variety of problems, to conduct research from an industrial perspective and, because of the remote aspect, to self-regulate, motivate, and time management.

Worked part-time as an academic tutor to supplement students’ education in mathematics, English, and the sciences, teaching individual students and groups from GCSE-level to primary school. I taught in both classroom and one-to-one environments and thoroughly enjoyed the teaching and mentoring aspect and learnt how to lead, manage and motivate groups of young people.

Worked full-time as a laborer/construction hand for a family-run construction company in the Buckinghamshire area. Duties included general site work such as transporting construction materials, mixing cement, clearing debris, etc. Whilst with Willment & Co. I worked on multiple job sites, each with a unique set of problems to be solved and I learnt to work effectively as part of a team and perseverance through long, physically intensive hours.

Teaching assistant and child minder at a Summer school. Duties included managing and teaching young people, some of whom were with learning disabilities. Whilst working at the School, I learnt how to lead, organize, and manage young people, and help children with educational disadvantages on a social and educational level.

An opportunity to learn about the process of oil extraction and manufacture from exploration to refinery, with a particular focus on the research and development of software to enhance this process. During this time at BP, I had the opportunity to meet experts in the fields of engineering, geoscience and petrophysics. I learnt about the internal workings of a big company, developing presentation and public speaking skills, and gained experience in some of the software used in the exploration process.