You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.

Write about the following topic:

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? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own experience or knowledge.

Write at least 250 words. 

There exists a debate whether the real function of a university is to equip students for a career which employers demand or to offer its students with an array of courses which enhance their knowledge. Both the views are significant in different situations which are discussed in detail in the ensuing paragraphs.

When analysed in the former group’s perspective, the job requirements today are entirely different from the traditional demands. For example, the demand professionals in the field of computer science in a particular firm is far more when compared to the demand of primary school teachers a 100 km radius. Therefore, it is the responsibility of universities to supply employees to these sectors.  Another reason is that today’s work sector is much competitive and requires deep knowledge and skills in the specific area. In this situation, universities should focus on courses which best fit the job requirement of an employer.

However, others feel that knowledge deliverance should be considered as the prime objective of any university because it would mould a student to a productive citizen. To be precise, when a student has option to choose from a variety of courses, he is mor likely to select the best, which he thinks he can excel. When compared to the mechanical life of those who work for their employers without any job satisfaction, he can lead a less stressful and balanced life. Another  benefit is that it can give additional options for the student in the competitive job market. If students graduates in different fields, there would be an equilibrium in the employemnt sector, which reduces the demand for particular professions. This reduces the unemployment to an extent.

To conclude, it is clear that in order to equip people to assume a decent job in today’s society, universities should focus on the requirements of the workplace. At the same time, it is always good for universities to have more options in order to train multiple talents.