The Individual Development Plan is a communication tool between the mentor and the postdoc. The IDP helps the postdoc and mentor set clear expectations and identify milestones to help the trainee achieve specific research objectives in the areas of publications, presentations, and science. The IDP supports the mentee, through a self-reflective process, in developing long-term goals, identifying career specific skills, and implementing a course of action to achieve the desired goals of the lab. The expected results of the IDP are improved communication skills, better time management, increased productivity, and a more transparent mentor-postdoc relationship. Moreover, the measurable goals outlined in the IDP can be used by the mentor when completing NIH and NRSA grants, see Notice, NOT-OD-14-113.
The IDP should be reviewed and discussed annually with all new and re-appointments.
Use of an IDP coupled with career conversations with mentors and a larger network of advisors and support can help postdocs shape their trajectory toward success. Reviewing and regularly updating an IDP to develop and track progress and identify what is most important to share with advisors and mentors during developmental and career conversations has been found to enhance the likeliness of a successful training experience and career readiness after training.
Some important questions to consider as postdocs develop their IDP are:
- What is important for me to know and address at my stage of training with my interests?
- Do I understand what is important to me and to my mentor regarding the work I am doing and how we work together?
- Do I know my career goals and have a plan to reach them?
- Am I preparing appropriately for the career path I desire?
In 2023, a working group of BCM faculty and postdoctoral fellows convened to review existing IDPs at peer institutions and related materials. The BCM Postdoc Individual Development Plan Toolkit is the result of that work. It provides a structured approach with IDP forms and a portfolio of tools and resources to help postdocs navigate the complexities of postdoctoral training and to facilitate career progression towards a desired career path.
