ASSESSING THE INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN SURVEY FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS IN PURDUE POLYTECHNIC

Graduate education is a transformative period that demands the development of specialized knowledge, research skills, and a suite of professional competencies. In today’s competitive and rapidly evolving job market, graduate students are expected to excel academically while simultaneously preparing for diverse career paths and managing personal growth. However, traditional academic frameworks may not fully address the complex needs of graduate students, who often face challenges in balancing these varied aspects of their development.

This thesis aims to bridge this gap by assessing an Individual Development Plan (IDP) tailored specifically for graduate students at Purdue Polytechnic. The IDP is conceived as a dynamic, student-centered tool that integrates academic, career, and personal development goals, offering structured support and continuous feedback to enhance students’ success. By examining the implementation and impact of this IDP, this study seeks to contribute a replicable model for individualized graduate student support, ultimately enriching the educational experience and improving outcomes for students in similar academic settings.