I am a patent agent. My personal opinion is: I suggest you do patent agency work first. If you don’t like it, then develop in the mechanical field. The reasons are as follows:
First, an excellent technical engineer needs to have certain patent knowledge, know how to read patent documents, and know what can and cannot be patented. Nowadays, many companies are willing to apply for patents. It is easier for engineers to come up with inventions and creations (especially in the mechanical field) after having patent thinking. Companies that make inventions and creations will receive additional rewards, and applying for patents will help you gain a foothold in your company or industry. With internal development, the more inventions and creations you have, the better you will become.
Second, patent agency work is not just about immersing yourself in writing documents. You can learn a lot of knowledge at work. In addition to basic patent knowledge, patent search, patent information utilization, patent document analysis, patent mining, patent avoidance design, triz theory, etc. are of great benefit to technology-based companies, but companies are quite lacking in people with patent knowledge. Technical talent.
Third, do patent agency work for a period of time, and then go to the enterprise to do technology. Working in a patent office can quickly cultivate patent thinking and learn some patent skills. Only by being exposed to this aspect of work can you learn more in a short period of time.
Fourth, don’t be eager to make money when you first start working. Learning is very important. If you really don’t like to enter a patent office, you must learn some basic knowledge of patents after entering a company to do technology. I believe it will be helpful to you. In addition, I highly recommend to you the book "Patents, Technological Competitiveness".