Individual Development Plan (IDP)

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a structured career planning tool that helps graduate students and postdoctoral scholars identify their career goals, assess their current skills and competencies, and develop a plan for achieving their short- and long-term professional objectives. The IDP serves as both a planning and communication tool, enabling students and postdocs to articulate their career aspirations and discuss them with mentors and advisors. By fostering intentional career planning and meaningful mentor-mentee conversations, the IDP supports better communication, clearer expectations, and more successful career outcomes.