As Russia has moved closer to a market economy, radical transformations of the system of higher education have become necessary; and it needs to be oriented to the training of specialists who possess a high level of professionalism and competence. Research shows that what employers in Russia see as most valuable in young specialists are behavioral competencies (industriousness, discipline, persistence, the ability to relate to others, flexibility, and teamwork) and personal competencies (the ability to learn and to adapt). Professional qualities are of less concern.