MUNICH - The European Patent Office (EPO) welcomed eight talents with disabilities for a unique job shadowing experience. An annual highlight of the diversity and inclusion workplan, this event offers an opportunity for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the EPO's operations, while receiving valuable career guidance, a press release stated by EPO.
The job shadowing week is an integral part of the Office’s participation in the myAbility Talent Program, which connects highly qualified individuals with inclusive organizations. Building on the success of the myAbility matching event hosted by the EPO in June, the job shadowing event celebrates diversity and reinforces our commitment to empowering talents living with disabilities.
The event began with a warm welcome from the Office. The eight participants were offered the opportunity to participate either on-site or virtually, having been matched with departments aligned with their career aspirations. Participants gained firsthand experience of a typical workday, formed meaningful connections, received personalized career insights, and were empowered by the shared expertise of our colleagues. The job-shadowing experience offered participants not only a glimpse into life at the Office but also the inspiration and tools for their professional journeys.
Participants and colleagues valued the chance to take part in the day:
“It was a full day with different insights into the EPO's activities as well as your culture, which is expressed in different nationalities and friendly, open people. Thank you for having me and for all these insights! I'm happy to stay in touch!”
“It is a great opportunity for the talents to learn by doing from experienced workers with a similar background, but also for us to acquire from them some new knowledge and skills”.
"I got to explore how Sustainability and D&I is achieved at the EPO, it is a big field and super interesting. You can see that everyone appreciates each other in this organization and is very friendly.”
myAbility was founded in 2009, myAbility.jobs was the first job search platform dedicated to individuals with disabilities. The platform laid the groundwork for the myAbility Talent® Program, the first barrier-free career initiative for students and professionals living with disabilities in German-speaking countries. This program is an example of inclusivity, breaking down barriers, and empowering individuals in the workforce. You can learn more about the organization and related international networks below.