Graduate students in the Department of Systems Biology participate in Columbia University's Individual Development Plan (IDP) Program. This university-wide initiative assists graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in designing a personal IDP, a formalized process that includes a self-assessment of skills, interests, and values. 

In addition, the IDP program supports students by offering seminars, workshops, career panels, and peer mentoring groups. These activities provide perspectives on potential career opportunities, how to get the most out of your mentoring, strategies for networking and interviewing, and other related topics. This knowledge can be useful in formulating an IDP and identifying short- and long-term career goals. 

Once an IDP is complete, students work closely with their mentors to identify concrete steps for achieving these goals.

Click here to learn more about Columbia's Individual Development Plan Program.