The National Institutes of Health (NIH) now mandates use of IDPs to help manage the training and career development of graduate students and postdoctoral researchers supported by NIH awards (read Notice NOT-OD-14-113 for more details). The NIH Research Performance Progress Report (RPPF) must include discussion on the use of IDPs in section B.
The benefit of an IDP for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers is to:
Track and reflect on your skills.
Plan your professional development.
Connect with alumni.
Identify diverse career paths.
Enhance communication with your advisors or mentors.
Request an advising appointment with the Graduate Career and Professional Development Office (graduatecareers@niu.edu) to learn more about establishing an IDP and communicating with your advisor/mentor to explore your career goals and options in the labor market.