Graduate students and postdoctoral researchers have a new tool to help them map out their next career moves. MyIDP, an interactive career planning tool coauthored by a Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) faculty member, was created to help budding scientists develop step-by-step plans to reach their goals.
Philip S. Clifford, PhD, associate dean for postdoctoral education in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, and professor of anesthesiology and physiology at MCW, worked with faculty and staff from the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology (FASEB), and the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), to develop myIDP, which is available online.
myIDP provides trainees with exercises to guide them through the process of assessing their career skills, interest, and values; an extensive list of resources for each of 20 common scientific career paths; and guidance on exploring career options and setting professional development goals. The application also allows users to keep track of their progress and provides automated reminders to help trainees meet their career goals and research project deadlines.
“This is the first tool of its type to be available online for research trainees,” said Dr. Clifford. “Whether those trainees are looking for careers in academia, industry, or other career paths, myIDP will assist them in staying on track and providing regular assessments of progress.”
To access myIDP, go to http://myidp.sciencecareers.org.