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Finding My Place at IASNR & Launching the Job Market Navigation Working Group (JMNWG) 

August 6, 2025

This past June, I attended my first  IASNR  (International Association for Society and Natural Resources) conference in beautiful Vancouver, BC, from June 8–12, 2025. I had the opportunity to present our research (with Maud Powell and Mary Halbleib) titled “Sowing Resilience: The Impact of Climate Stress and Grief on Agricultural Communities,” which explores the mental health impacts of climate change on agricultural producers. It was an inspiring experience to connect with a community of like-minded scholars dedicated to the social science dimensions of environmental issues- I truly felt like I had found my perfect place.

After returning from the conference, one question lingered in my mind: What’s next for my perfect place?  I wanted to nurture this sense of belonging and build a stronger support network for those of us navigating the challenges of academia and the academic job market. With that in mind, I reached out to Aritra Chakrabarty to explore this idea. After some thoughtful discussions, the Job Market Navigation Working Group (JMNWG), aka Peer Navigation Working Group- IASNR, was born. 

JMNWG/PNWG is a peer-driven support group for PhD students, postdoctoral scholars, and early-career academics preparing to enter the academic and professional job market. We aim to create a collaborative, affirming space where members can share resources, practice job talks and interviews, get feedback on application materials, and hold each other accountable through regular check-ins.

We look forward to creating a safe space where we can navigate challenges while applying for academic and non-academic jobs, and build upon our strengths to tackle these challenges- together.

Whether one is dipping their toes into the job search or already swimming in the deep end, our group is here to help them navigate the vast and often overwhelming landscape of job opportunities and expectations in academia and beyond.

Our goals include:

• Sharing resources and strategies for academic and non-academic job searches

• Providing peer feedback on CVs, cover letters, research/teaching statements, and more

• Practicing job talks and interviews in a supportive, low-stakes environment

• Fostering a community grounded in encouragement, mutual respect, and accountability

• Hosting optional co-working sessions and inviting guest speakers (e.g., recent graduates, mentors)
  
  

We believe that navigating the job market shouldn’t be a solitary endeavor.

For more info, please email: 

Kanchan Ojha ojhak@oregonstate.edu  

or 

Aritra Chakrabarty arichakr@mtu.edu