Higher education - preparing for work or life?

One of the common debates in U.S. higher education is whether attending university should be primarily about preparing for work or life. I've always believed this was a false dichotomy that needed to be challenged. Gloria Cordes Larson, President of Bentley University, apparently addresses this in her book, PreparedU: How Innovative Colleges Drive Student Success. Inside Higher Education's report of conversation with Larson included her saying, "A business graduate, for example, needs to know the technical skills of their discipline, but that is no longer enough on its own. Critical thinking, complex problem solving, empathy, creativity and communication skills are all necessary in today's work environment."

Liberal or general education courses that cultivate the hard (they are not "soft" as some would suggest) skills of complex critical thinking, problem solving, etc. are necessary for graduates in most degree programs and the liberal arts contribute essential perspectives. Student affairs, with its focus on students' experience, also has much to offer. Acquiring these essential skills/perspectives will improve both the quality of life and workplace performance.