Individual development plans — experiences made in graduate student training

Abstract

Graduate education is one of the cornerstones of academic research. Students dedicate many years to a research group and project, developing and applying skills so that they can contribute new knowledge to a field and, in return, become independent scientists. Beyond the application of their technical expertise, individuals who attain advanced degrees are also often expected to take on additional roles in their careers. These roles can involve project and peoplemanagement, communication of outcomes, fundraising and budgetary oversight, and much more. Yet, often, the manner in which skills are developed for such roles is haphazard at best and may occur without alignment with individual career goals or institutional priorities. These realizations have prompted many graduate programs to implement workshops and entire courses toward professional development. There are even trainings available for faculty and program directors interested in implementing professional development activities, for example the Entering Research curriculum available through the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research at the University of Wisconsin [1]. Common themes in professional development initiatives for graduate students include development of interpersonal communication skills, disciplinary knowledge, science communication skills, critical thinking skills, understanding of the research environment and enterprise, project design skills, ethical research skills, research identity, and ultimately confidence and independence as a scientist [1]. The multi-faceted nature of graduate studies can overwhelm students, and at worse can lead to anxiety, depression, and general dissatisfaction [2, 3]. Thus, professional development initiatives in graduate programs must also equip students to clarify their goals so that they can identify and then efficiently engage in the most meaningful activities toward career advancement. Individual development plans (IDPs) are a tool that can help students in such goal setting and achievement.