Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
Why start (and revisit) an Individual Development Plan (IDP)?
Because the numbers are compelling. In a 7,600-participant survey by Sigma Xi, trainees who launched their appointments with an IDP co-created with their mentors were:
- 23% more likely to submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals,
- Published first-author papers 30% faster,
- Submitted 25% more grant proposals, and
- Reported higher satisfaction and fewer advisor conflicts.
Beyond boosting productivity, IDPs are now widely incorporated into research training: since 2014, the NIH asks institutions to describe their use of IDPs in annually, signaling that thoughtful career planning is expected. Building and regularly updating your IDP is therefore one of the simplest, evidence-based steps you can take to accelerate your research, clarify career goals, and strengthen mentor-mentee communication.
Where should I start?
MyIDP by ScienceCareers is an excellent resource to employ with your faculty mentors, peers and career development services staff to aid in self-assessment of strengths, weaknesses, priorities, and opportunities. The Office of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies recommends myIDP to biomedical graduate students due to its helpful features including:
- Exercises to help you examine your skills, interests, and values
- A list of 20 scientific career paths with a prediction of which ones best fit your skills and interests
- A tool for setting strategic goals for the coming year, with optional reminders to keep you on track
- Articles and resources to guide you through the process