Overview
Career planning is generally considered a four-step activity that includes the:
- self-assessment of your skills, values and interests
- exploration and evaluation of your career options
- identification of your career goals and objectives
- development of an action plan or strategy
What is a CDP?
A Career Development Plan (CDP) – also known as an Individual Development Plan (IDP) – is a useful tool to help you map and track your career development strategies. The University has developed templates to help you conceptualize your career development planning.
The graduate CDP template is a useful resource to guide your career development discussions with your graduate program director or advisor. In conceptualizing your CDP, see the specific range of recommended skills for graduate students:
See Pitt School of Public Health's graduate student template here as an additional example.
Check out our Career Development Seminars for Doctoral Students to learn more about career development planning and get answers to your questions.