Skip to content

Getting started with professional development planning

Professional development planning (PDP) is a key component of career progression. This short online course, developed for researchers who want to make the most of opportunities and create new ones, covers all stages in the process.

It’s suitable for researchers at any career stage within any discipline.

Module 1: Introducing professional development planning

Introducing professional development planning
Explore the meaning of professional development planning and its benefits and start to explore the Vitae Researcher Development Framework (RDF).

Module 2: Analyse your experience and expertise

Consider what broader expertise and experiences you are developing through your research activities
Carry out an analysis of your own professional experience and expertise
Explore your learning preferences

Module 3: Collect and organise your evidence

Learn how you might take a systematic approach to gathering evidence of your achievements, and how to practise communicating evidence of your developing expertise and experience

Module 4: Select and prioritise areas for development

Survey the upcoming research activities that you are likely to undertake
Identify expertise areas for further development
Prioritise your development in the context of broader goals

Module 5: Plan your goals for success

Set development goals
Find and select opportunities for development
Plan to achieve development goals