Universities should care about work readiness and the economic value of skills, but these goals must not overshadow the broader educational mission. Labour-market relevance matters — work-based learning, internships, industry projects and entrepreneurial experiences should be standard in every degree. Yet over-emphasizing profitability undermines skills with no immediate market return — ethics, creativity, civic responsibility and critical thinking — that sustain democracy and long-term innovation. Because labour markets evolve rapidly, universities should cultivate transferable competencies for multiple career transitions, collaborate with industry while preserving academic independence, and treat economic outcomes as just one metric among many alongside personal development and civic engagement.