Careers home page > Pan-European Seals Young Professionals Programme

Shape your future with EPO’s Young Professionals Programme

Are you ready to take the first steps into your career and put your talents to work in the real world?  
Do you want to play a vital part in supporting innovation across Europe?  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EPO's Young Professionals Programme gives you the opportunity to grow your skills, build an international network, and launch a meaningful career at the heart of innovation. 

The EPO Young Professionals Programme welcomes talented students and graduates from these universities across all academic disciplines to help shape the future of innovation. Whether you come from a STEM background or a field such as business administration, law, or communication, you will find unique opportunities to contribute your expertise.  

STEM graduates, in particular, can apply their technical knowledge working with experienced patent examiners, supporting the patent grant process and gaining insight into how groundbreaking inventions are assessed and protected. 

The Young Professionals Programme at the EPO – a springboard for your future. 

Our alumni have built successful careers across diverse paths — as intellectual property specialists, legal counsels and IP managers in leading companies, policy officers at EU institutions and the United Nations, sustainability and technology experts in global firms, entrepreneurs launching their own ventures, and researchers at top universities. Some have continued their journey within the EPO, contributing to our mission of supporting innovation and progress. 

Curious where this journey could take you? 

Life as a Young Professional at the EPO

   
   Get to know our Young Professionals

  • Take the next step

    Stay ahead of the curve  -  register your interest 👇 at the end of this page 👇 to receive insider updates and be first to discover new openings. 

    Learn more about the application process 

    Visit our detailed application page to explore eligibility criteria, list of universities, our EPC member states, and what to expect once applications open. 

Where Your Growth Begins 

Personalised development plan

During the programme, you will enjoy a comprehensive, tailor-made development programme with a focus on IP and the Patent Grant Process, as well as have the chance to further develop your soft skills. You will also have the chance to enhance your language skills in one of the EPO’s official languages.

Learning with your tutor

Experience hands-on learning from day one with a dedicated tutor. You’ll be involved in your team’s work, gaining practical insights and contributing to real projects. Your tutor will support your development through feedback, goal-setting, and ongoing guidance to help you grow professionally.

Tailored employment package

You’ll receive a tailored employment package with competitive pay, development opportunities, and flexible working to support your early career. Join a welcoming, multicultural community where your work drives meaningful initiatives and global challenges in a collaborative environment.

  • Programme extension

    Young Professionals Programme begins as a one-year opportunity. During the first year, you may apply to extend it for up to two additional years, subject to an internal selection process.

    This extension will help deepen your experience, take on greater responsibilities, and continue contributing to strategic initiatives across the Office. It’s a unique opportunity to grow professionally while enjoying higher compensation and continued support.

👇 Register your interest for the next recruitment round in 2026 👇

If you do not want to miss on this opportunity, register your interest and be the first to get informed about the start of the recruitment campaign!

Don't forget to click on the Data Privacy Consent Statement & agree before submitting!