By Iqra Siraj
Education has always been regarded as the foundation of personal growth and social progress. It broadens the mind, develops critical thinking and enables individuals to understand the world around them. However, in an era defined by rapid technological change and shifting economic realities, academic qualifications alone are no longer enough to guarantee success. The real strength of the future lies in combining education with practical skills that allow people to adapt, create opportunities and remain resilient in uncertain times.
A degree remains an important achievement, but it should be viewed as the beginning of a lifelong learning journey rather than the final destination. The modern world is changing at a pace where skills that are valuable today may require constant improvement tomorrow. Individuals who continue learning and upgrading their abilities are better prepared to face challenges, whether in employment, entrepreneurship or personal development.
Every person, regardless of gender, should be encouraged to develop skills throughout life. These abilities can range from traditional crafts such as sewing, embroidery, crochet, baking and henna artistry to modern fields including digital marketing, artificial intelligence, coding, graphic design, content creation and online business management. The nature of the skill is less important than its ability to create confidence, independence and economic opportunity.
This discussion is particularly significant for women and girls. Education provides empowerment, but practical skills add another layer of security and independence. Life can bring unexpected circumstances, and a woman may at any point find herself needing to support herself or her family. In such situations, skills can become a powerful tool for financial stability. A woman with expertise in tailoring, handmade products, baking or beauty services can transform her talent into an income source from the comfort of her home.
The digital revolution has expanded these possibilities further. A person no longer necessarily needs a physical shop or large investment to start a small business. Through social media platforms, online marketplaces and digital marketing skills, individuals can reach customers far beyond their local communities. A simple talent, when combined with modern technology, can become a sustainable livelihood.
The importance of skills is not limited to women. Men also need to recognize that practical abilities, creativity and adaptability are essential in today’s competitive environment. Employers increasingly seek individuals who can apply knowledge rather than merely possess academic certificates. Similarly, aspiring entrepreneurs are more likely to succeed when they combine education with problem-solving abilities, technical understanding and practical experience.
Educational institutions have a crucial role to play in preparing young people for this changing world. Universities and schools should encourage students to look beyond examinations and degrees by promoting skill development, innovation and lifelong learning. Academic knowledge provides the foundation, but practical skills provide the ability to build upon that foundation.
As a university lecturer, I often remind my students that earning a degree is a significant milestone, but it should never mark the end of learning. Success in the modern age belongs to those who continue to grow, adapt and acquire new abilities. Education opens the doors of knowledge, while skills provide the confidence to walk through those doors and create meaningful opportunities.
A society that values both education and skills creates individuals who are not only employable but also capable of becoming innovators, entrepreneurs and contributors to national development. The future will not belong only to those with qualifications on paper; it will belong to those who possess the ability, creativity and determination to turn knowledge into action.
(The writer is a French language lecturer at KIET University and Founder & Director of Language Society and Cultural Hub. She can be reached at editorial@metro-morning.com)
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