An Individual Development Plan (IDP) is an essential tool to help postdoctoral trainees:

• assess current skills, interests, and strengths;
• make a plan for developing skills to meet academic and professional goals; and
• communicate with supervisors, advisors, and mentors about evolving goals and related skills.

Is it required?

The university recommends IDPs for all postdoctoral researchers and graduate students.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) requires funded graduate students and postdocs to have IDPs. If you are supported by NIH funding, your PI will be asked by the NIH to describe IDP use in their NIH Research Performance Progress Reports.

As of May 20, 2024, the National Science Foundation (NSF) requires funded graduate students and postdocs to have IDPs. PIs will need to certify in annual and final reports that grad students and postdocs “receiving substantial support from such award [have] developed and updated annually an individual development plan to map educational goals, career exploration, and professional development.”

Online Resources to Help You Create Your IDP

You can find templates, videos and other resources on the IDP website, including tips for discussing your IDP with your mentor.

Individual Advice on Creating Your IDP

Request a confidential individual career advising session to learn how to define achievable goals, identify resources, and develop strategies for implementing and sustaining an IDP. Alternatively, attend a campus workshop on creating an IDP tailored to graduate students and postdocs.

Contact for Questions

Email Brady Krien (bkrien@wisc.edu), Associate Director for Career Development, Office of Postdoctoral Studies if you have any questions about developing your IDP.