The article covers the problems of training specialists in higher education institutions. The authors draw a conclusion that the issue of a new approach towards arranging a complex practical training of students which is close to their future professional activities is challenging for higher education institution of all profiles. This is explained by the fact that the theoretical knowledge of students is often far from the practical aspects of their future work. The authors emphasize the necessity of raising professional standards of the work performed by beginners in the conditions of present-day market economy. The authors discuss their practical experience of improving the students’ training and suggest the introduction of three-level on-going practical training of students providing them with an opportunity to perform professional duties by working as backup specialists in the spheres of manufacture and trade, and also working temporarily as academic researchers and teachers. It is offered to introduce three types of pregraduation internship: administrative, pedagogical, and research.