Nowadays learning Russian in business communication is a major part of vocational education and
training and within this academic subject it is possible for university students to develop soft skills.
This research examined the formation, development and application of a universal set of soft skills
to help graduates adapt to the modern labor market. The study was conducted with 196 first-year
students in the Vladivostok State University of Economics and Service. A subjective scale technique
was applied using a survey-questionnaire. The data were processed using systematization and
generalization methods. The results showed that subjective attitudes to the application of soft skills
were developed in students studying Business Russian. The building of soft skills helps students
use knowledge in practice and to increase their motivation for personal professional growth and
development. The research revealed that 21 out of 24 declared soft skills are actively formed in
students in the course of teaching. In addition, the analysis gave an objective view of the abilities,
interests and tendencies of each student. This information is necessary to improve the educational
process. The results of the research play an important role in the development of the theory of
competence model of successful modern graduates. The research results can be used by universities
to develop and improve working curricula in accordance with the requirements of new educational
standards.