Making the Most of the Postdoc: The Individual Development Plan (9.24.25)

REGISTER (registration opens 8.18.25)

Featuring: James Gould, PhD, Director of Postdoctoral Affairs, HMS
NOTE: Prior to the workshop please read HMS Professor Angela DePace’s article on the Annual Planning Meeting:
https://postdoc.hms.harvard.edu/files/postdoc.hms/files/annual_planning_meeting_idp_depace_molcell_2015.pdf

Description: The Individual Development Plan (IDP) is a mentoring tool that links research goals with career development and progress towards independence. It is meant to foster an ongoing and recurring discussion that involves evaluation, goal setting and feedback with input from both postdoc and faculty mentor. The NIH encourages trainees to make Individualized Development Plans to help them prepare for academic and nonacademic careers. This interactive workshop unpacks the IDP framework while helping postdocs to prepare a working draft of the IDP that addresses research, professional progress, and implementation.

Series Description: Going on the job market is much more than just submitting an application and watching the offers come rolling in. It’s about finding a good fit and concisely conveying your career trajectory. This interactive monthly series will help participants prepare their minds and materials for the job search process through peer review and guided exercises. This workshop is part of the OPF Career Clinic Series. Other workshops in the series include:
Crafting Your CV and Resume - Monthly, first Monday of the month (exceptions: Jan 8, Aug 12 & Sep 9)
The Individual Development Plan - Thursdays, Jan 16, Apr 17, Sep18
Demystifiying Job Ads and Cover Letters - Thursdays, Feb 20, May 15 
Strategic Interview Prep - Thursdays, Mar 20 & Jun 12, Dec 11
Academic Research Statements - Thursdays, Aug 21, Oct 16
Statement of Teaching Philosophy - Thursdays, July 17, Nov 20