The paper presents the results of a pilot study into the level of pedagogical competencies of students of teaching degrees. The study was conducted using the diagnostic tool called "Pedagogical Competencies at the Start" (KPNS, Kompetencje Pedagogiczne na Starcie), developed by the research team. The authors present a holistic approach to the categories of pedagogical competencies. The study, which is the initial phase of a bigger research project, has revealed deficits with which young people begin their careers, and at the same time identified areas to be developed in university curricula. This refers, in particular, to the competencies for sustainable development and organizational competencies. This state is considered as the result of mainly theoretical education of teachers and low quality of internship.