Leadership as an important component in the competencies of a young specialist

An innovative economy needs for highly qualified personnel with new competencies of the future. Presents the most demanded competencies of young professionals. The article shows that leadership and involvement are considered the main of the key skills. Leadership is a factor in increasing the efficiency and development of organizations in any sphere of the economy. The programs for the development of cross-professional skills are listed. Railway transport is widely supported by the development of leadership competencies of specialists. Main directions of the Quality Management System of Russian Railways are given. Discusses the possibilities of leadership development and universal leadership qualities. They are can be acquired in the learning process. In the article written opinion of employers that institutions of professional and higher education are positioned not only as sources of knowledge, but also as sources of formation of leadership potential and such qualities of students as purposefulness, adequacy, flexibility of thinking, responsibility. Concludes that it is necessary to form the leadership potential of students. The development of railway transport is impossible without interaction of educational institutions and the real sector. Discusses opinion that high-quality professional training and leadership qualities will create high motivation among graduates. Quality education and cross-professional skills will develop new leaders to strengthen the innovative potential of the country.