EARTH Individual Development Plan (IDP)
What is an Individual Development Plan?
Individual Development Plans help EARTH Scholars identify their strengths and growth areas, set short- and long-term goals, map out research, coursework, and professional development activities, prepare for careers in industry, academia, government, or entrepreneurship, and document their progress over time.
An IDP is a tool for reflecting on your skills and interests, setting goals, and creating an action plan for your academic and career development. The IDP is a living document that you update as you grow and your goals evolve.
Why do Individual Development Plans Matter?
High-quality mentoring and thoughtful planning help scholars:
- Clarify academic, research, and career goals.
- Build skills needed for success in diverse STEM careers.
- Communicate expectations with mentors and research teams.
- Track progress and adjust plans as interests evolve.
Creating an Individual Development Plan
Work with your faculty mentor to develop your IDP. You may use the EARTH IDP template or follow or advisor may have one they prefer to use. You may adapt the template and add elements as needed to create a plan that best supports your goals and tracks your progress.
FAQs
EARTH strongly encourages IDPs for all trainees and may require them for students supported by specific NSF-funded projects.
In general, your IDP is a scholar-driven document. You choose what you want to share outside of your advising appointments. Some programs may request confirmation that an IDP has been completed without requiring the full document. Check with your advisor for institution specific requirements.
Review and update at least once per year, and ideally each semester. Use the IDP as a starting point for mentoring meetings and annual reviews.
Update your IDP to reflect new interests or opportunities and discuss these changes with your advisor/mentor during regular check-ins.
Yes, although you likely have on primary advisor with whom you create and update your IDP. Many students and scholars benefit from a mentoring “team” that may include a primary research advisor, co-mentors at partner institutions, and professional or industry mentors. You may wish to note these roles in your plan.