Individual Development Plan (IDP)

Creating Your Individual Development Plan (IDP)

The IDP is the starting point for completing the Preparing Future Professionals (PFP) Certificate. It is also a helpful tool for directing your career and professional development activities.

  • Learn about the IDP and the process of creating an IDP
  • Begin crafting your IDP by conducting a self-assessment

What is an IDP?

The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is designed to assist with (1) identifying professional goals and objectives; (2) assessing an individual’s skill set relative to their career goals; and (3) developing a plan to acquire the skills and competencies needed to achieve short- and longterm career objectives. Learn more here.

Creating your IDP

A well-crafted IDP can serve as both a planning and a communications tool, allowing you to identify your career goals and to communicate these goals to your mentors and advisors. Learn more here.

IDP Self-Assessment Guide

These self-assessments help you think about your abilities, skills, strengths, and areas for development. They may also be useful to help you consider possible career paths and career opportunities. The worksheets also prompt you to consider your goals and the path you need to take toward achieving those goals. Learn more here.

Career Pathways

The ODU Career Pathways program is designed to fill graduate students’ career and professional development needs, preparing you for successful transition into thriving careers.

The Career Pathways program is free, and is open to all ODU graduate students. Workshops are offered on campus and can be accessed via web conferencing. An archive of previously offered professional development workshops is also available for students to access 24/7.

Watch this video for more information about Career Pathways.