By Mirza Jahanzeb Beg
Recently, I was invited to be part of Nilgiris Economic Dialogue, conducted by the Confederation of Indian Industries. The room was filled with some of the sharpest minds—business leaders, entrepreneurs, and industry experts. As the discussions unfolded, one key realization became crystal clear:
Our universities are slowly becoming redundant.
The traditional education system, once a beacon of knowledge, is struggling to stay relevant in an era where information is freely available. In the past, teachers were the sole gatekeepers of knowledge. Today, the internet has democratized learning. You can learn coding, finance, business strategies, and even complex subjects like AI from the world’s top experts—often for free.
Yet, despite this information revolution, we still see millions of young people chasing degrees that do not translate into real-world skills. Colleges, for many, have become a business, selling outdated curriculums that do little to prepare students for an ever-evolving economy.
The Mindset Shift: From Job Seekers to Job Creators
One common theme that resonated at the event was the urgency to shift from job-seeking to job-creating. The obsession with stable government jobs and “safe careers” is preventing young people from exploring the boundless opportunities in entrepreneurship.
Think about it:
The best years of youth, when we have the energy to experiment and take risks, are often spent chasing degrees.
After graduation, we enter a frustrating cycle—job hunting, waiting for government vacancies, aging out of eligibility, and eventually settling for whatever is available.
Instead of learning financial literacy, business skills, or investment strategies, most young people are trapped in an outdated system that doesn’t prepare them for real financial independence.
Why aren’t we teaching students how to manage money? How to build businesses? How to think creatively and solve real-world problems?
While education remains incredibly important, colleges are no longer the only source of learning. The world is shifting towards liberal and interdisciplinary curriculums, where knowledge is no longer confined to rigid subject boundaries. The future belongs to those who can adapt, think critically, and develop a diverse skill set.
Yes, sciences and arts are essential, but these are passion-driven fields. They should be pursued by those who truly wish to excel in them, not as a default choice for those unsure of what to do in life. Education should be a conscious decision, not a fallback option.
Looking ahead, as educational institutions struggle to keep pace with rapid technological advancements, automation and AI will reshape industries, making many traditional jobs obsolete. In this scenario, we will need a workforce that is flexible, skilled, and entrepreneurial—people who can create opportunities rather than just seek them.
The Future is Entrepreneurship & Financial Literacy
The wealthiest, most successful individuals today didn’t follow traditional paths. They built empires not through degrees but through skills, adaptability, and financial acumen.
The world today values problem-solvers, not just degree-holders.
Entrepreneurship is no longer just an option; it’s a necessity.
Financial literacy is as important as any academic subject—understanding investments, assets, and wealth creation can change lives.
This is where the conversation needs to shift. We must encourage young people to embrace risk, experiment early, learn about money, and build businesses that outlast them.
The Call to Action
If you’re a student or a young professional, ask yourself:
Am I gaining skills that the world values?
Do I understand how money works?
Am I building something of my own, or just following the herd?
It’s time we break free from the outdated job-seeker mentality and start building a generation of creators, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Would love to hear your thoughts—do you think universities still hold the same value, or is it time for a new approach to education?
