Some people think that universities should provide graduates with the knowledge and skills needed in the workplace. Others think that the true function of a university should be to give access to knowledge for its own sake, regardless of whether the course is useful to an employer. What, in your opinion, should be the main function of a university?

The discussion of what are the roles of post-secondary education has always been in the limelight.

Although

it is argued by many that

universities

should satisfy the needs of employment, I believe that the knowledge provided by

universities

should not be solely dominated by the job market.

Instead

,

universities

should offer easy entry to diverse courses for different needs and interests. On the one hand, for

students

who are enrolled in

universities

with a clear career goal, post-secondary education needs to prepare them well enough for their future careers. Some professions, particularly medicine, law, and engineering, require a related university degree and a professional credential.

Accordingly

,

universities

must provide

such

required education to support these

students

. The best example is the clinical medical program. It does not only offer structured medicine curriculums, but

also

equips all sets of clinical skills for future doctors corresponding to the program’s objectives, including but not limited to interpersonal, communication, and rapid decision-making skills. It is undeniable if a university fails to fulfil its functions, there would be no competent doctors serving our society.

On the other hand

,

universities

are

also

responsible to provide non-vocational subjects to help

students

without any clear pictures of their future occupations, to explore their interests and passions. As tertiary educational facilities,

universities

cannot neglect the needs of

such

students

. The more different

students

are, the more various functions

universities

should have. One famous mathematic scientist in China, Dr VVVVVVV, took a music history course for his sole interest during his university study before later pursuing mathematics. He now still enjoys reading music history journals in his spare time to relax and manage his stress,

although

the knowledge of

this

area does nothing to his current career. In conclusion, based on the above discussion,

universities

should be multi-functional as they need to cater to

students

’ distinct interests and various needs. There should not be any restrictions on the

students

who are willing to learn any knowledge to explore their passions, career choices, and even simply for a purpose of wellness.