Individual Development Plans (IDPs)
NOT-OD-14-113
IDP's provide a planning process that identifies both professional development needs and career objectives. Furthermore, IDPs serve as a communication tool between individuals and their mentors.
It is important to assist trainees to achieve their career goals and become contributing members of the biomedical research workforce.
NIH does not expect institutions to include the actual IDPs in progress reports; instead the report would outline current practices that document that IDPs are used to help manage the training for those individuals.
Basic Steps for Creating an IDP
|
Step
|
For Fellows | For Mentors |
| 1 | Conduct a self assessment and identify a career goal | Become familiar with the IDP process and understand your role |
| 2 | Discuss skills and career goal with mentor(S) | Give input on skills and discuss opportunities with fellow to research career goal |
| 3 | Create IDP with long-term/short-term goals and share with mentor(S) | Discuss IDP with trainee and suggest revisions |
| 4 | Implement plan & revise the IDP as needed (at least on annual basis) and continue to share with mentor(s) for the duration of training | Discuss fellow's IDP as needed (at least on annual basis) for the duration of training |