3 Answers

Both.  College trains you specifically for a career path.  General education and elective courses make you a well-rounded person in order that you can appreciate life, get along with others, and understand people from all walks of life.  General education, to me, is the most important tool for your long term survival.  Next time, smile when you are in your class learning about famous artists and painters, or studying Latin.

It can be both, and often is, in that some career paths require a sound general education.

I can remember when you entered college with a major, now all enter with no major, but first year is more of general ed.   I think that they are trying to get you to experience the flavors, before you commit to a specific major.  I think that it increases the odds of success (grade-wise).   Whereas, in the Community college system, it seems more focus is certainly on career paths.