The University of Virginia strongly encourages all postdocs, graduate students, and their mentors to develop and maintain an Individual Development Plan (IDP). An IDP functions as a road map that identifies both professional development needs and career objectives. It also serves as a tool to facilitate communication between mentee and mentor, and it can be a useful component of a broader mentoring program. Writing an IDP involves:
- Reflecting on one’s progress during the past year
- Assessing strengths and weaknesses
- Setting goals for the upcoming year
- Carefully considering long-term career interests
Outline of the IDP Process:
The development, implementation, and revision of the IDP require a series of steps to be conducted by the mentee, followed by discussion with his/her mentor. These steps call for an interactive effort; ideally, both mentee and mentor will fully participate in the process.
Step 1 |
Development: Conduct an assessment of your strengths, weaknesses, and skills. State your career goals and write your annual IDP. |
Step 2 |
Implementation: Schedule an appointment with your mentor to discuss your skills assessment and IDP. Implement the steps in your annual IDP to the best of your ability. |
Step 3 |
Revision: Periodically review progress with your mentor. Rewrite your IDP annually. Modify your career objectives as necessary. |
IDP Process for Postdoctoral Fellows and Research Associates
- The first is an online questionnaire through MyIDP, a resource created by the AAAS to aid in the development of postdocs in the sciences. The postdoc will complete the online questionnaire and then use the results as a platform for discussions with a mentor or advisor about career interests/concerns.
- The second component is an annual performance evaluation to be completed by both the trainee and the mentor. Once completed, the trainee and mentor will meet to discuss their respective answers. Download the SoM IDP and Performance Evaluation Forms.
Additional Paper-based Templates and Guides:
Sample 1 Comprehensive: Comprehensive 10 page document that outlines the IDP process and provides specific steps for Postdocs and Mentors (from Penn St. University)
Sample 2 Open-Ended: Open ended 5 page document that allows postdocs to answer questions regarding their current and future goals, training, and plans. (adapted from Vanderbilt University)
Sample 3 Short: 2 page document to indicate goals, objectives, and target dates for completion. (adapted from University of Wisconsin)
Additional Resources:
Career Planning Resources from the National Postdoc Association
Mentoring Plans for Postdoctoral Scholars
National Postdoc Association Core Competencies Checklist