Pre-workshop Assignment
Prior to the CDP workshop on the Individual Development Plan (IDP), take about 30 minutes and complete an IDP template by following the steps below (provided by Cara Mitnick). The session will explore ways to maximize skills, interests and values to align with career goals.
Science and engineering students generally complete myIDP, and we recommend you familiarize yourself with that platform. There are several IDP models, and many students complete more than one IDP platform, so choose one (or more) that best suits your program and goals.
- myIDP is the most commonly used version that focuses generally on science, technology, and engineering fields
- ChemIDP from the American Chemical Society is best for chemistry researchers
- imaginephd.com was created for social sciences and humanities and for scientists or chemists interested in policy, advocacy or careers adjacent to their field of study, but it has been found that a sizable percentage of the users are in STEM fields.
- A shorter IDP, targeted to physics, earth sciences, and other STEM disciplines from Purdue University
- DiscoverPD from University of Wisconsin, Madison
Instructions:
- Create an IDP account, input your relevant information
- Take the 3 self-assessments – skills, interests, and values
(Note: ChemIDP has skills and interests only. For ImaginePhD, to do the Skills assessment, choose job families, then go to bottom of page and click on “Continue Assessment”) - Explore Careers
myIDP: review “Consider Career Fit”
ImaginePhD: review two job families located in “Resources” tab - Set Goals
myIDP: set at least one goal in Career Advancement, Skills and Projects
ImaginePhD: visit the “My Plan” section and create three goals
This work is supported by the National Science Foundation under EPSCoR Cooperative Agreement #OIA-1655221. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
