Peak world population

The world’s population is growing more slowly and will peak at a lower level than previously projected, new estimates from the United Nations show. The Earth will top out at around 10.29bn people in 2084 before declining to 10.18bn by 2100, the United Nations said in recent biennial population estimates. That compares with the Earth’s population in July 2023 of 8.09bn. Across much of Europe — and in longtime population leader China — population levels have already peaked and are declining. Notably, this population reversal means that India has now surpassed China as the world’s most populous country, with 1.44bn people last year, compared with China’s 1.42bn. India’s population won’t peak until 2061, the UN projects. Despite the decline in fertility, the population continues to grow because of the growth in the number of women of childbearing age, itself a reflection of higher birth rates in past decades. However, that number is expected to plateau toward the end of the century.

(Adapted from “Earth’s Population Should Peak Before the End Of The Century,” by Danny Dougherty, published on July 11, 2024, by The Wall Street Journal)

Identify your strengths

Most of us tend to hyperfixate on our weaknesses. But reflecting on your innate strengths — the skills that come naturally to you and set you apart — can help you maximise your potential and make a unique impact in your role. Start by asking mentors and colleagues for their feedback. Questions like, “What makes me a good team contributor?” or “What type of work do you see me get excited and energised by?” can reveal strengths you might overlook. Then, put yourself in new situations. Look for opportunities and pay attention to what you gravitate toward naturally. New experiences can activate hidden strengths that remain dormant in familiar settings. Finally, be aware of your biases. Not everyone has the same innate strengths as you. When someone doesn’t meet your expectations, reflect on whether it’s because they lack a skill you naturally possess. This awareness can help you better understand yourself and your collaborators.

(Adapted from “Identify — and Develop — Your Natural Strengths,” by Sanyin Siang, published by HBR Early Career)

The need for cyber resilience

Cybercrime laws have already been enacted in 156 countries, and 250 bills are being considered in 40 states of the United States and Puerto Rico, with additional cyber resilience regulations expected to follow. Cybercriminals are well financed, highly organised, and innovating at a much faster pace than cyber protection. Cyberattacks are now endemic, and it is important for each company to build resilience against unavoidable threats, just like our bodies do to fight an endemic disease. The flu and Covid-19 vaccines can help our bodies strengthen our immune systems to protect our vital organs; likewise, management can employ adaptive thinking to build effective cyber resilience for companies’ critical systems — for both known and unknown threats.

(Adapted from “An Action Plan For Cyber Resilience” by Michael Coden, Martin Reeves, Keri Pearlson, Stuart Madnick, and Cheryl Berriman, published by MIT Sloan Management Review)

Finding a job

If you’re one of the many new graduates who doesn’t have a post-grad job, keep this in mind: 1) Remember your worth. When the economy is in a lull, the job search can feel discouraging, but ultimately, that’s out of your control. To stay motivated, it’s helpful to acknowledge this and regularly remind yourself that a slow job market is not a reflection of your value or abilities. 2) Reflect on what you really want. On average, it takes three to six months to find a job — plenty of time to pause and reflect. 3) Never stop networking. Reach out to employees who work in industries you’re exploring, and ask for informational interviews. Don’t use these conversations to ask for a job — think of them as learning opportunities. 4) Don’t be afraid of resume gaps. In job interviews, frame them as purposeful and share what you learned during that time.

(Adapted from “4 Tips for New Grads Struggling to Find a Job,” by Rachel DuRose, published by HBR Early Career)

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, July 22nd, 2024