1. TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR CAREER! Philip S. Clifford, Ph.D. Assoc Dean for Postdoctoral Education Prof of Anesthesiology & Physiology Medical College of Wisconsin

4. WHAT IS AN IDP? Individual:Unique training and career goals of each fellow Development:Improvement / maturation needed to achieve the individual’s goals Plan:Specific steps rather than a random walk

5. GOALS OF AN IDP  Identify long-term career options and the necessary tools  Develop clearer sense of expectations  Set milestones along the way to achieving specific objectives

6. PROCESS FOR POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWS

7. Step 1. Conduct a Self Assessment  Evaluate your personal values, interests, skills, strengths and areas that need improvement. (Lab associates, friends, spouse, parents)  Outline your long-term career objectives.

8. Step 2. Survey Opportunities with Mentor  Identify realistic career opportunities.  Identify developmental needs by comparing current skills and strengths with those needed for your career choice.  Prioritize your developmental areas and discuss with your mentor how these should be addressed.

9. Step 3. Write an IDP  Establish effective dates for the duration of your appointment.  List specific skills and strengths that you need to develop.  Define the approaches and time frames to obtain the skills (e.g. courses, technical skills, teaching, supervision).  Discuss your draft IDP with your mentor.  Revise the IDP as appropriate.

10. Step 4. Implement Your Plan  Put your plan into action.  Revise the plan as necessary.  Review the plan and your progress with your mentor regularly.

11. PROCESS FOR MENTORS

12. Step 1. Become Familiar with Available Opportunities  Existing store of knowledge  Updated by analyzing new trends in job opportunities (National Research Council reports, Science Career reviews)

13. Step 2. Discuss Opportunities  Private, scheduled meeting distinct from regular research-specific meetings  Adequate time for an open and honest discussion

14. Step 3. Review IDP and Help Revise  Provide honest feedback – both positive and negative  The development plan should be a win-win for both (allow postdoctoral fellow to be productive in the laboratory and adequately prepared for chosen career)

15. Step 4. Establish Regular Review of Progress  Meet regularly (at least annually) to assess progress, expectations, and changing goals.  A written review is most helpful in objectively documenting accomplishments.

16. “The discipline of writing something down is the first step toward making it happen. In conversation you can get away with all kinds of vagueness and nonsense, often without even realizing it. But there’s something about putting your thoughts on paper that forces you to get down to specifics. That way, it’s harder to deceive yourself or anybody else.” Lee Iacocca