The Steps
- Self Assessment
- Goal Development
- Discuss with your Mentor/Advisor
- Implementation
- Review/Revise
1. Self Assessment
Where do you see yourself after graduate school?
Academia? Industry? Nonprofit? Government? Research-focused, teaching, clinical, administrative, or something else?
Selecting potential careers will help shape your IDP.
If you are unsure about careers, check out Career Discovery Resources.
A great starting point is clarifying your Skills, Interests, and Values: (Click on each to take a free assessment. Assessments are also available through the IDP Tools and at the Career Center.)
- Skills: The abilities and competencies you have developed that enable you to perform tasks effectively.
- Values: The principles and beliefs that guide what is meaningful and important to you in your work and life.
- Interests: The activities, topics, or fields that naturally capture your attention and enthusiasm.
2. Goal Development
Assess the gaps between your current skills and the skills you'll need for your desired career.
Ask yourself:
- What skills have I already developed? (e.g., technical, writing, presenting, teamwork)
- What areas do I want to strengthen? (e.g., grant writing, coding, leadership, time management)
Identifying these gaps forms the foundation for your goal setting.
Clarify short-term and long-term goals
- Short-term (6–12 months): What specific milestones (publications, presentations, coursework, networking) do you want to reach?
- Long-term (2–5 years): What achievements will move you toward your desired career?
Write your goals as SMART goals
S – Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish.
M – Measurable: Identify how you’ll know you’ve succeeded (use numbers or milestones).
A – Achievable: Set a goal that is realistic given your time and resources.
R – Relevant: Make sure the goal aligns with your broader objectives or values.
T – Time-bound: Set a clear deadline or timeframe to complete it.
As you write your goals, you will also want to consider why the goal is important to you and what you will need to accomplish it.
Develop goals across multiple areas:
- Academic
- What knowledge or skills (methods, techniques) do you need for your research?
- What presentations do you anticipate giving?
- Do you plan on publishing any papers?
- Are you planning on submitting applications for funding?
- Career
- What is your overall career goal?
- Are there relationships with mentors, advisors, or faculty that you hope to cultivate?
- Are there any professional development workshops or trainings that you hope to take?
- Are you interested in setting up informational interviews, job shadowing, or interning?
- Personal Goals
- What steps can improve your work-life balance?
- Are there any financial goals or debts/loans you aim to address by a certain time?
Areas to focus on along your development path?
Training Level
Primary Purpose of IDP
Career Planning Emphasis
Master’s
Explore career options, identify skill gaps, and build foundational competencies for short-term goals (e.g., internship, entry-level job, or further education).
Broad exploration across sectors (e.g., clinical, research, policy, private sector).
Doctoral
Align research, teaching, and service goals with long-term career plans. Focus on independent research skills, publication, and academic/professional positioning.
Begin narrowing toward a specific academic, research, or high-level professional track.
Postdoctoral
Transition to independence (academic or industry). Emphasize leadership, grant writing, networking, and building a distinct research agenda or professional identity.
Highly targeted career development. Define niche expertise and plan concrete steps toward permanent positions.
3. Discuss with your Advisor/Mentor
Advisors and mentors are key partners in your IDP process. Schedule a meeting to discuss your plan and set clear expectations for the mentoring relationship.
Consider discussing:
- Are my current goals realistic and aligned with my career direction?
- What strengths do you see in my work, and where do you think I need further development?
- Are there specific skills or experiences you recommend I build in the next year?
- How can I better balance research, coursework, and professional development?
- What networking or collaboration opportunities should I explore?
- Can you suggest conferences, workshops, or training programs that fit my goals?
- How do you recommend handling setbacks or delays in my timeline?
- How often should we check in on my progress toward these goals?
- How often should I revise the plan?
- Who else (inside or outside the department) should I talk to for career insights?
- Do you have advice for preparing for careers outside academia (if relevant)?
- What kind of support do you need? (feedback style, accountability, flexibility)
4. Implementation
Start taking actionable steps towards your goals, using your IDP as a guide.
- Create an Action Plan: Break goals into smaller steps and timelines.
- Track Progress: Use spreadsheets, apps, or a planner to log achievements and reflections.
- Seek Opportunities: Apply for externships, attend workshops, publish papers, join professional associations, or volunteer in your field.
- Build Networks: Establish connections with peers, alumni, and professionals through informational interviews and events.
- Adjust Mindset: Cultivate resilience and adaptability. Be ready to learn from failures or shifts in direction.
5. Review and Revise
Your IDP is a living document that will change as you progress. Every 3-6 months schedule a time to reflect on:
- Progress Evaluation: Ask: What goals have I met? What barriers have I encountered? What surprised me?
- Reflection: Explore how your skills, interests, or values may have evolved. Consider journaling or using self-reflection prompts.
- Plan Revision: Update goals, timelines, or strategies as needed. Remove outdated goals and add new ones that reflect your current aspirations.
- Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge progress to stay motivated and build confidence.