What is an IDP?

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a personal and flexible planning tool designed to help graduate students plan and achieve their professional goals. Students use the IDP process to reflect, identify professional goals, create manageable plans, and get feedback from multiple mentors. IDP forms are confidential, and students can select what they want to share with mentors.

circular timeline to set and review goals

IDP Forms for Graduate Students

Mentor Resources

IDP mentors may include several types of individuals that support research training. This could include faculty advisors, research or industry professionals, career advisors, or other types of support. 

  • Creating a program-specific IDP (see templates for options)
  • Encouraging mentees to develop IDPs by showing interest and being available for discussion
  • Pointing mentees towards IDP resources 
  • Introducing your students to the IDP process or request a Grad Success Workshop
  • Using the IDP process to encourage students and support their individual goals and interests

The IDP meeting is intended to help students take ownership of their professional development and clarify communication and support from mentors.

Coming Soon: Tips for IDP Meetings for Mentors

IDP Workshops

Schedule an IDP workshop for your students, program, or class.

IMAGINEPHD

ImaginePhD

A career exploration & planning tool for PhD students & postdocs in the humanities and social sciences

myIDP logo

myIDP

A career exploration and planning tool for PhD students and postdoctoral scholars seeking scientific career paths

ChemIDPlogo

ChemIDP

 A career exploration and planning tool for PhD students and postdoctoral scholars in the chemical sciences