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Why plan your career?
If you don’t plan your career, who will? You spend a good amount of time and energy at work so why not ensure job satisfaction and realize your career goals?
Engaging in career development entails learning new things which can energize and motivate you, enhance your job satisfaction, allow you to keep job skills fresh and current, prepare you for change, give you long-term employability, expand your professional network and give personal enrichment.
UC ANR benefits from an engaged and competent you, willing to meet challenges in technology, interpersonal communication, project management, and many other demands in an environment where we continually respond to change.
So, if there are skills or expertise you’d like to learn that would make you feel more successful, accomplished and competent, it is time to prepare an Individual Development Plan (IDP).
What is an IDP?
An IDP is your career action roadmap for skill building, professional development and career management, created after careful assessment by the employee and their supervisor. It is documented to provide you with:
- A plan that outlines your long-term career goals, improvement of current job performance, and what steps to take to meet those goals
- A personalized plan that reflects your career objectives, whether you are planning for professional development, promotional opportunities or retirement in the next few years
- Records needed to obtain resources, such as scholarships, fee assistance or training funds
- A timetable for accomplishing goals
When creating an IDP, you will contemplate the following:
- Strengths that, if enriched, will contribute to your general career goals
- New skills that will expand work performance
- Performance areas that need improvement
Most workplace learning happens on the job, not in the classroom. Therefore, an effective IDP combines learning by doing, learning from others, classes, and e-learning activities.
Why create an IDP?
Individual development planning benefits the individual and the organization by linking employee development and training with the mission, goals, and objectives of the organization. It gives employees responsibility for career development and an opportunity to be accountable for obtaining or enhancing the proficiencies needed to keep current in required skills.
Using an IDP also gives supervisors the opportunity to gain a better understanding of an employee’s professional goals, strengths, and development needs, which results in more realistic staff development plans.
Sample Individual Development Plan
This example demonstrates how an employee might document career aspirations, development goals, and an action plan.
Career Aspirations
Current Position: Program Representative
Short-Term Career Aspirations (1–2 years):
- Improve project management and organizational skills.
- Take on greater responsibility for coordinating programs and events.
- Develop stronger communication and presentation skills.
Long-Term Career Aspirations (3–5 years):
- Advance into a supervisory or program management role.
- Lead strategic initiatives that support organizational goals.
- Mentor and support the development of other employees.
Development Goals
Goal 1: Strengthen Project Management Skills
Develop the ability to manage multiple projects, timelines, and stakeholders more effectively.
Goal 2: Improve Presentation Skills
Build confidence and effectiveness when presenting information to groups and stakeholders.
Goal 3: Expand Leadership Skills
Prepare for future leadership opportunities by developing coaching, collaboration, and decision-making skills.
Action Plan
| Development Goal | Actions | Target Date | Measure of Success |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strengthen Project Management Skills | Complete project management training and apply tools to current projects. | June 2027 | Successfully manage a project from planning through completion. |
| Improve Presentation Skills | Attend a presentation skills workshop and deliver two staff presentations. | September 2027 | Receive positive feedback and demonstrate increased confidence presenting. |
| Expand Leadership Skills | Participate in mentoring, shadow a supervisor, and lead a team project. | December 2027 | Successfully lead a project team and demonstrate leadership competencies. |
This sample is intended to illustrate the type of information that may be included in an IDP. Development plans should be tailored to individual career goals, organizational needs, and opportunities for growth.
Credit:
Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash