Faculty mentors often tell us they are looking for ways to help students stay focused and motivated throughout the entire journey of their programs. Grad school is full of right-this-second deadlines and long-distance aspirations, and it can be challenging for students to find ways to plan everything that comes in between. And that means they often struggle to strategically develop skills, knowledge and experiences that take them toward their goals.
Faculty mentors play an incredibly important role in helping students do just that. One tool that faculty can consider incorporating into their mentoring is the Individual Development Plan. An Individual Development Plan, or IDP, is a process through which students assess their skills, reflect on their career aspirations, set near- and long-term goals, and work with mentors to identify next steps. It can give them focus, energy, and a clear path forward, leading to stronger performance, greater fulfillment, and more productive relationships with mentors.
The Graduate College recently launched a set of resources related to Individual Development Plans, including some specifically for faculty:
IDP Essentials for Faculty: This page explains more about IDPs, how they work, and why they are a powerful tool for responsive, student-centered mentoring.
Faculty IDP Conversation Guide: This guide offers a suggested outline for discussing a graduate student’s IDP experience. The structure can let students take the lead while getting the most out of the mentorship and perspective that faculty can provide.
GradPLAN: There are a number of available IDP options, including myIDP and ImaginePhD. The Graduate College has developed a version designed specifically for University of Illinois students, which offers a streamlined but robust opportunity to assess skills, make plans, and connect with resources. If you or your students are looking for a place to start with IDPs, consider giving GradPLAN a try.
If you have questions about IDPs or ideas about related resources you would like to see, please contact us at gradsuccess@illinois.edu.
