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A postdoctoral appointment is a training period to prepare you for your future career. Your relationship with your advisor is a key aspect of a successful training period. The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a document designed to guide you toward your independent career. Completing and sharing your IDP with your advisor allows you to discuss your goals, develop a plan for success and handle challenges that arise. 

All postdocs are required to complete an IDP and meet with their advisors within the first 90 days after arriving at the University and then annually thereafter.

How to complete your annual individual development plan

1.  Set up an introductory meeting date and time with your advisor. You must submit this information to the postdoc office using the IDP meeting form below. Your advisor will receive a confirmation email of this meeting.
2.  Complete your IDP. Use the Individual Development Plan form [PDF]. Be as thorough as possible when completing your IDP. You may also use the  as a guide for what types of skills you should develop as a postdoc. While you are not required to share the entire document with your advisor, we encourage you to do so.
3.  Submit your Individual Development Plan within three months of postdoc appointment. Complete and submit Page 5 of the IDP to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The Individual Development Plan must be developed together with your advisor and approved by both prior to submission. Your advisor will receive a copy upon submission.

How to complete your annual individual development plan

1.  Review and submit yearly individual development plans. After completing your initial IDP, you are required to complete the Annual IDP form and submit new Individual Development Plans (page 4 of the form) each year to the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs. The Individual Development Plan must be developed together with your advisor prior to submission. Your advisor will receive a copy upon submission.