Students as partners in effective PDP planning: STEM and beyond

Personal Development Planning (PDP) is a key contributing factor towards a positive Student Experience. Effective PDP is critical for enhancing employability and successful transition through University and beyond. Providing effective, sustainable PDP has proven challenging for many institutions. It is recognised, however, that peer PDP is common practice in professional environments with well documented results. Based on this knowledge, we have developed a peer and community PDP (PC PDP) programme which places the student at the centre. Students generally communicate with other students more effectively than they do with academic staff. Furthermore, senior students have experience of extra-curricular activities, career, placement and external study opportunities, making them well placed to offer rich and accurate advice. Alumni networks contribute to shaping and influencing our future graduates. With this in mind the PC PDP programme has been developed with integrated support from a Personal Development Advisor (PDA), Peer Mentors (senior students), the Careers Service and Industry partners. Each of the stakeholders and activities are brought together through a "tight-loose" model.

We will provide an overview of the PC PDP Programme which originated in Engineering and Science at the University of Strathclyde. PC PDP has now been rolled out across all Faculties in the institution. A key aspect of the programme is that it has been developed by students for students. The presentation will cover an overview of the key components of the PC PDP Programme; a review of the resources available; an evaluation of engagement in PC PDP; and future enhancement of PC PDP.