Academia Magazine organized a thought-provoking seminar at the University of Management and Technology (UMT) on the topic, “The Importance of Degrees in the Modern Job Market.” The event brought together a distinguished panel of speakers, including Prof Dr Shahid Munir, Vice Chancellor of the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore; Prof Dr Aqif Anwar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Education (UoE) Lahore; and Prof Dr Adnan Noor Mian, Vice Chancellor of Information Technology University (ITU). The seminar was attended by a large number of students and Academia Magazine’s Managing Editor, Muhammad Ibrahim Qazi.

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Welcoming the esteemed speakers and participants, Ibrahim Qazi, Managing Editor of Academia Magazine, highlighted the magazine’s mission. He described it as the first international non-profit education magazine dedicated to promoting higher education among the youth. He emphasized the importance of fostering educational dialogue to prepare students for the modern job market.

Keynote Speeches: Degrees vs. Short Courses

Professor Dr Shahid Munir, Vice Chancellor of UET Lahore, stressed the primary goal of education in Pakistan and the importance of incorporating entrepreneurship into university curricula. He acknowledged the value of short courses but argued that degrees hold far greater global significance. Citing examples of Pakistani engineers and doctors excelling abroad, Dr Munir underscored how degrees not only validate professional skills but also contribute to shaping well-rounded personalities.

Professor Dr Aqif Anwar, Vice Chancellor of UoE Lahore, and Professor Dr Adnan Noor Mian, Vice Chancellor of ITU, echoed similar sentiments. Both emphasized that while skills are indispensable in today’s job market, they must be complemented by a strong foundation of formal education. They pointed out that the rise of artificial intelligence and evolving industry demands make knowledge—acquired through degree programs—more critical than ever. Short courses, although helpful, cannot provide the same depth of understanding or long-term benefits as full-fledged degrees, they added.

The seminar concluded with Mr Muhammad Ibrahim Qazi presenting souvenirs to the distinguished speakers in appreciation of their contributions. The event served as an inspiring platform for students and educators alike to reflect on the enduring value of degrees in an increasingly skill-driven job market.

This seminar marked yet another milestone in Academia Magazine’s mission to bridge the gap between academia and the professional world, promoting the significance of education as the foundation for a successful career.

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