Individual Development Plan (IDP) Resources

The IDP is a valuable communication and planning tool that facilitates collaboration between postdocs and their PI/mentor.

• An initial IDP is required after one month of employment, due by the third month of employment to help set goals for the first year of your postdoc.
• A reappointment IDP is required yearly upon reappointment. This IDP should reflect on accomplishments from the past year, goal setting for the coming year, and long-term career goals.
• IDPs are automatically sent via email and should be completed through RedCap. Please reach out to OPA@vanderbilt.edu if you have any questions.

Benefits of the IDP

• Valuable communication and planning tool between you and your PI/mentor
• One component of a broader professional and mentoring strategy
• Opportunity to discuss long-term career goals and short-term objectives

IDP Resources

(Please note: completing any outside IDP does not fulfill the requirements of a yearly IDP for your reappointment. All IDPs must be completed and submitted through RedCap.)

• myIDP – Provides many resources to make the most of completing your IDP
• ImaginePhD – A career exploration and planning tool for the humanities and social sciences
• The Versatile PhD – The Versatile PhD can help postdocs identify, prepare for and excel in professional careers. This can be accessed through Handshake on the Vanderbilt Career Center website.
• National Postdoc Association – Guide to Using an IDP
• Vanderbilt University Human Resources – Feed Forward IDP