Debate persists over whether tertiary education should mainly prepare students for the workplace or offer a broader preparation for life. In my opinion, higher education should balance both aims, with a modest emphasis on workplace readiness. Graduates need immediate employment, yet a university also has a responsibility to develop critical, ethical and adaptable citizens for life.

A strong vocational focus is necessary, because tertiary education represents a major investment for individuals and for society. University courses aligned with labour market needs help students transition smoothly into professional jobs. For instance, internships and industry collaboration equip graduates with the practical skills that employment demands, which reduces unemployment and keeps organisations competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Higher education therefore has a clear duty toward workplace preparation.

However, limiting a university to job training alone is short-sighted. Broader learning at the tertiary level fosters analytical thinking, communication and civic awareness, which matter across many careers and across life itself. University subjects such as philosophy or history may not map directly onto specific jobs, yet they sharpen the judgement and adaptability that graduates need in professional life when facing complex challenges.

Overall, tertiary education should neither ignore employment nor abandon its wider intellectual mission for life. A balanced university approach ensures that graduates secure meaningful work while continuing to grow personally and socially. Therefore, by integrating workplace preparation with broad, lifelong learning, higher education best serves students, employers and society over the long term.