ESP is considered the best choice in tertiary education context as it meets the students’ needs and consequently boosts motivation. However, the results of needs analysis applied while designing the course and the students’ awareness of their needs when using the language in professional communication may differ. The survey of 1st year students conducted at Sechenov University (Moscow, Russia) between 2014 and 2019 revealed only partial awareness of the needs. The possible solution may be either creating ‘first-hand’ experience (students’ exposure to the situations where they have to use respective ESP skills), or ‘second-hand’ experience (students’ exposure to communication with professionals in their prospective sphere of employment who are regularly using ESP skills).