Hello Trainees:
Have you heard of the buddy scheme?
The CIPA Informals Buddy Scheme pairs up trainees from different firms so that a mentor can guide and support a mentee as they transition from university, academia, industry, etc. into the profession. In the past, buddies have used the scheme to discuss training paths and working environments at different firms, exam preparation and revision, and managing workloads, feedback, and relationships with their supervisor(s).
The buddy scheme is open to all UK-based trainees. We are especially looking for mentors to provide these trainees with guidance.
However, we are also welcoming sign-ups from new mentees!
Experienced trainees: could you mentor a trainee?
We are sure you remember how stressful things can be when you are new to the profession and feel like you have been thrown in at the deep end. Whilst many new trainees are fortunate to have a strong support network of trainees in their office, those in smaller firms or in-house departments may not have any fellow trainees to turn to. Additionally, we believe that all mentees benefit from having a contact outside of their firm and getting a broader perspective of what it is like to work in patent law.
As well as finding it rewarding to give guidance and help to a less experienced trainee, mentors have previously enjoyed widening their trainee network and getting an insight into life at another firm. Please sign up if you are interested!
Unsure if you should be a mentor or a mentee?
As a rough guide, we encourage trainees who have been part-qualified for over a year to sign up as mentors and trainees who have recently joined the profession or who have just become part-qualified to sign up as mentees. However, this is just a guide. Please feel free to use the system in a way that you feel would be most beneficial for you.
How to sign up
To sign up, all you need to do is fill in a short questionnaire (https://forms.gle/j7G2hFzRHS2MTDJu7). We will then be in contact to match you with a mentor/mentee.
The Yellow Sheet 