The paper aims at presenting the goals, course and results of the technical creativity contest which has been organized since 2005 by the University of Rzeszów. The categories ”interest” and ”professional interest” have been analyzed, revealing the shortcomings of current approaches. An operational definition of ”professional interests” has been formulated, from which the characteristics of interests such as strength, permanence, depth and breadth have been derived. Theoretical considerations have been complemented by research on the professional interests of the winners of the technical creativity contest. The research conducted on a group of 45 contest winners proves a high level of professional interests (well-developed individual interests, pastimes), during and after graduation. The research can be used for the modernization of interest research tools and to improve the education process carried out at universities.