The article presents the results of investigation of a study of motivational readiness and competency of the graduate teaching high school for future careers. Th e main indicators of readiness: 1) presence of a positive professional motivation (PM); 2) positive expert opinion leaders about the practice bases of formation and manifestation of student competence in the implementation of professional activities; 3) the successful delivery of the student fi nal examinations. Trends in the PM of students during the period of teaching practice were identifi ed with the help of “Motivation techniques of professional activity” by K. Zamfi r in the modifi cation of A. Rean. To determine the success of the internship was used developed by the authors “list of expert assessments”, which includes job practices and competencies generated in the process of learning activities. These procedures allow tracking of the respondents (n=9) identify a positive trend in the change of PM and competence exhibited by them in the course of teaching practice. It is concluded that the possibility of using this technique in any pedagogical high school and has a profi le of preparation, “Applied Psychology in Education”.

The second phase of a longitude study of influence of some psychological characteristics on professional preparation of psychologists is described in the article. young psychologists in their third year were studied. It is demonstrated that emotional stability, motivation to learning, communication skills, which influenced progress of students in their first year, are important factors of professional preparation two years later. Descriptions of some subjects are presented as examples.

A cross-cultural study of the motivation of becoming a psychologist among freshmen at MSU and MSU’s branch in Baku is described in the article. It is shown that the formation of this motivation depends on social and cultural settings in which the choice of this profession occurs. In accordance with particular differences between the two groups of the subjects, some recommendations for the maintenance of professional growth are suggested.