Job skills are important. Cultivating the whole student is critical
Preview:
Workforce preparation and whole-student development are too often framed as competing priorities in higher education, when in reality employers increasingly want graduates who are self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and capable of navigating complex human dynamics alongside their technical skills. Universities that focus narrowly on job-ready credentials risk producing graduates who are professionally equipped but personally underprepared for the demands of adult life and careers. A more integrated approach — one that treats character development, civic engagement, and well-being as central to the educational mission rather than extracurricular add-ons — better serves both students and the employers who hire them.
Originally published: June 18, 2026
Author: Robert K. Vischer
Position: President
Institution: University of St. Thomas in Minnesota
Published by: University Business