Learning from each other: My PhD Exchange journey

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Refereed Roundtable Session: Sharing the mist: An interdisciplinary journey of international women doctoral students

Proposal

I was thrilled to be part of Alimah International Exchange initiative, which aimed to connect PhD students from different contexts and provide a platform for sharing information and learning from each other.
I had the privilege of engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, broadening my perspectives and understanding of various aspects of personal and professional growth. Among the numerous valuable lessons I learned, one concept that particularly resonated with me was the Individual Development Plan (IDP). Although I gained insights into various topics, I would like to focus specifically on IDPs in this reflection, as I believe they have the potential to profoundly impact one's personal and professional trajectory. Through discussions with Monique Burey-Ballard from the United States and Jefline Kodzwa from Zimbabwe, I gained a deeper understanding of the concept, its applications, and its benefits. In this reflection, I will share my learnings and insights on Individual Development Plans, highlighting their significance and how they can be leveraged for personal and professional growth.
As I reflect on my recent peer group discussions, I am reminded of the profound impact that individual development plans (IDPs) can have on one's personal and professional growth. Sharing experiences with Monique Burey-Ballard from the United States and Jefline Kodzwa from Zimbabwe was a truly enriching experience, offering valuable insights into the diverse applications and benefits of IDPs.
An individual development plan is a tailored framework that outlines specific goals, objectives, and strategies for personal and professional development. It serves as a roadmap for individuals to identify areas for improvement, set realistic targets, and track progress over time. IDPs can be applied in various contexts, including education, career advancement, and personal growth.
Through our discussions, I gained a deeper understanding of how IDPs can be leveraged to address unique challenges and opportunities in different cultural and professional settings. IDPs are commonly used in corporate settings to enhance leadership skills and drive career advancement. The importance of setting SMART goals and regularly reviewing progress to ensure accountability and motivation were discussed. In addition, IDPs are often used in community development projects to empower individuals and promote social change. The significance of considering cultural and socio-economic factors when creating IDPs and ensuring that they are inclusive and accessible to all was also highlighted. Several key benefits were underscored in our group discussion, including clarified goals and focus, enhanced self-awareness and reflection, improved accountability, motivation, increased confidence, self-esteem, better time management, prioritization, leadership skills, communication skills, and cultural competence.
Through this exchange, I gained valuable insights into the versatility and impact of individualized planning and realized that despite cultural and professional differences, the fundamental principles remain the same. By sharing experiences and best practices, we can learn from each other and create more effective planning that cater to diverse needs and contexts.

Author

• Eunice Dhokura, Min of Home Affairs lotteries and Gaming Board