Interns at Emory’s OTT work with various members of the office in two-month rotations. Initially rotations are limited to the licensing team and marketing associates so that a strong foundation in basic technology transfer skills can be established. It is also important to work with multiple licensing associates as each one brings a unique background and thus perspective to the licensing process. After honing basic skills such as technology evaluation, tech brief writing, and targeted marketing, interns are free to rotate with the other members of the office in order to broaden their skill set.
When an intern reaches this point in the internship, it may be helpful to look at job postings for various positions and identify which skills still need to be acquired or developed. Future rotations can then be set up with members of the office that can provide training in those areas. At Emory this can include additional experience with MTAs, startup support services, the Emory Patent Group, or compliance.
For example, a number of specialist positions (contracts, marketing, compliance, etc.), in the Emory office focus on specific aspects of the technology transfer process. If so interested, interns can also move over to rotate with the Emory Patent Group and focus on the nuts & bolts of patent drafting and prosecution. For example, in order to gain a fuller understanding of the field beyond the scope of Emory’s licensing associates, I rotated with OTT’s contract specialist in order to gain experience in material transfer agreements as well as general contract negotiation.
These are just a few examples of how the flexibility of the internship program with rotations can maximize training in the field.
– Jeremiah Mitzelfelt