+ Trade Marks Attorney
+ Lawyer
+ Enthusiastic SUP’er
Was working in IP always part of your career plan, or was it something that presented to you during your journey?
It wasn’t a plan per say, but it seems that I was always destined for a career within intellectual property. Although I didn’t follow the STEM career path, I was actually quite heavily involved in natural science studies in high school, in addition to enjoying creative writing and learning foreign languages. I was particularly interested in chemistry and biology, and I found the developing fields of biotechnology discussed in class at the time particularly exciting. I distinctly recall undertaking a career aptitude test with the school careers counsellor in Year 11 and the results predicting “Patent Attorney” as one of my potential career paths. I had no idea what a patent attorney was at the time, but I have a better idea now (working closely with an entire firm of them at Wrays!).
Ultimately, I ended up following the more humanities-based law side of undergraduate university study, but retained an interest in the fields of science and new technologies. My background caused me to consider pursuing an area of law where I could have involvement in what was going on in the science and technology field, as well as be exposed to the creative industries. Following my graduation from law studies, I went on to undertake my legal apprenticeship (through articles of clerkship, as it was at the time) at a large commercial law firm. I rotated through a number of legal practice areas, including experiencing practice in general property law, corporate work, insolvency and intellectual property law. I really enjoyed my time with the intellectual property team and the range of work and clients that I was exposed to there – in particular, the opportunities to witness and assist in the commercialisation of new brands and technologies at an early stage, and work alongside creative and innovative people. And that’s how I started my career in intellectual property law.
Which women leaders did you look up to as you were growing up and why?
Helen Keller – the American author, lecturer and political activist – is a woman whose story inspired me immensely growing up. To have overcome the challenges of childhood deafness and blindness to learn to communicate fluently and later lecture and advocate for people with disabilities, among other causes, including the suffragette movement and American civil liberties, is a remarkable demonstration of strength, determination and resilience. Helen Keller’s story motivates me to endeavour to excel despite challenges that might present along the way.
Another female leader who was very prominent in my field of view growing up was Margaret Thatcher. Whilst her particular politics and style of leadership is not one that I’d necessarily choose to follow, her status as the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom was certainly influential in demonstrating the ability of women to stand equal amongst men in all fields of endeavour.
In terms of women in STEM, Marie Curie (possibly my namesake!) – the first woman to be awarded a Nobel Prize for her work in the study of radioactivity – and Ada Lovelace – one of the world’s first computer programmers – were women that I remember my father (who was a computer programmer himself) teaching me about as a young girl who enjoyed studies in mathematics and science and was encouraged to enter various science tournaments and competitions. In particular, I noted Marie Curie’s recognition and standing in her field in her own right, although working together with husband Pierre.
Who do you look up to now and why?
Of the visible female leaders, I’m pleased that we have now have Jacinda Ardern – the New Zealand prime minister – as a fantastic role model to women and younger women in particular. Jacinda has demonstrated she can do the job of leading a country just as well as anyone else – perhaps even better – regardless of age and gender. Whilst demonstrating assertiveness and confidence in doing what has been required to achieve her objectives and respond to various local and global challenges, she has managed to lead with empathy, humility and compassion, which I believe contributes to a strong leader and is a modus to follow.
Michelle Obama is another prominent woman that I admire and look up to. In her role as former First Lady of the United States and continuing, she has been an impressive advocate for causes of equality, education and the empowerment of young women. Again, Michelle demonstrates strength and confidence in her leadership style, whilst still possessing humility, poise and a sense of humour. She also has a great sense of fashion, and previously trained and worked as an intellectual property lawyer!
What role do you think we all need to play in supporting a greater uptake of women in STEM?
We need to be proactive in highlighting and celebrating women’s involvement and achievements in the STEM field and more generally. Women are sometimes less vocal in promoting their current projects and achievements and creating forums and opportunities for women in the field to spruik their achievements and share their knowledge and experiences with the next cohort of younger women looking to enter the STEM field is important. We need to reassure those coming up that there are successful and influential women in the field (and always have been) in order to promote STEM as a realistic career path, where women’s ongoing contributions are not only valued but necessary.
I think we can also all contribute to encouraging young girls’ interests in STEM at an early stage, by teaching them about women’s achievements in science and nurturing an early interest though the choice of books, activities and educational toys we give our children. Exposure to the joys of science early on definitely fuelled my personal ongoing interests in this area and a belief that it is an area that can be participated in by all.
Is there any advice you would like to share with women embarking on a STEM career?
Embrace it and enjoy the journey!! There are lots of exciting opportunities and paths to pursue in the STEM field, particularly now. Whilst I didn’t end up following the traditional STEM career path myself, I do often wonder where pursuing a more formal path of study and work in STEM may have taken me. That said, I am fortunate that I have been able to align various creative and technological interests through a career in intellectual property law.
There are challenging and exciting times ahead in the field of scientific endeavour and technological advancement, and it is important to have women at the forefront of this. There are many advocates and mentors (both male and female) around nowadays who are passionate about facilitating and advancing the participation of women in STEM because of the contribution they know that women can make – take advantage of these opportunities and connections.
In summary, I would say follow your passions, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t (but don’t be afraid to ask for help when required), and you should have an exciting and rewarding career ahead.
Get connected
+ 08 9216 5132
+ marie.wong@wrays.com.au
+ in/marie-wong