When it comes to building a successful career — whether in engineering, architecture, construction, or manufacturing — most people assume talent and intelligence are the deciding factors. But psychologist Angela Duckworth has shown that something else may matter even more: grit.
At DAVRON, we see grit play out every day in the professionals we place with leading companies. Those who persist through challenges and stay passionate about their long-term goals often achieve more than those who rely on raw talent alone. Let’s explore what grit is, why it matters, and the research that proves its power.
What Is Grit?
Angela Duckworth, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania, defines grit as the combination of:
- Passion: sustained interest in long-term goals.
- Perseverance: the determination to keep going despite setbacks, obstacles, or failures.
In short, grit is the ability to stick with it when others quit.
The Famous West Point Study
Duckworth’s most cited research took place at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Every year, thousands of the brightest and strongest compete for admission. Cadets must endure Beast Barracks, a grueling six-week training program where many drop out.
Duckworth gave incoming cadets her 12-item Grit Scale and tracked who survived Beast Barracks. The results were striking:
- Grit predicted cadet success better than SAT scores, class rank, or physical fitness.
- Cadets with the highest grit scores were far more likely to complete training, even if they weren’t the smartest or strongest.
This study showed that grit is a better predictor of resilience than traditional measures of ability.
Other Studies That Prove the Power of Grit
Duckworth’s work didn’t stop at West Point. She and her team found grit predicts achievement in many areas:
- National Spelling Bee Competitors: Grittier kids studied longer and advanced further than equally “talented” peers.
- Teachers in High-Turnover Schools: Teachers with higher grit scores were more likely to stay until year’s end.
- Ivy League Students: Grit predicted higher GPAs than SAT scores, showing persistence pays off academically.
- Workplace Success: Employees with grit were more likely to thrive in challenging, long-term careers.
Across fields, grit consistently explains why some people succeed where others give up.
Why Grit Matters in Your Career
For professionals in engineering, construction, and manufacturing, success rarely comes overnight. Projects run long, designs get revised, and challenges arise on the job site. Those with grit:
- Push through obstacles rather than walking away.
- Keep their passion alive even during setbacks.
- Inspire their teams by modeling resilience and determination.
Employers value grit because it translates into loyalty, performance, and long-term career growth. At DAVRON, we’ve seen how gritty professionals build lasting success in their industries.
The Bottom Line
Grit isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a proven predictor of success. Angela Duckworth’s research shows that passion and perseverance matter as much, if not more, than talent or IQ.
For companies, hiring employees with grit means bringing in professionals who won’t quit at the first sign of difficulty. For individuals, developing grit can be the key to long-term achievement and career fulfillment.
Want to Hire Gritty Professionals?
At DAVRON, we specialize in staffing engineering, architecture, construction, and manufacturing talent with the perseverance and drive to succeed. If you’re looking for candidates who bring both skill and grit to the table, contact us today.