The IDP is a living document to help define and pursue short- and long-term career goals. The NIH requires all graduate students and postdoctoral fellows supported on an NIH grant to complete an IDP and this requirement ensures all NIH-supported MCB students are compliant. Also, many MCB students will not follow an academic career path and the IDP helps provide training to prepare for diverse career paths.
We hope the IDP will encourage open, honest and supportive discussions between graduate students and mentors and will enable students to identify possible career options and to develop the skills needed for future success.