I think a big part of it is that the expectation is that college/university is training you for your career. It's not. University especially, is learning for l

I think a big part of it is that the expectation is that college/university is training you for your career. It's not. University especially, is learning for learning's sake. Why do companies care about a degree then? They want you to show you can learn. In the same way, extra-curricular activities show that you care, and that you're motivated. Same with dressing well, and learning how to interact with people. If all you have are technical skills, you're this centuries' version of a factory worker. You can be a cog in the wheel (maybe even a moderately well paid one), but nothing more.