A Comparative Study of Student Personality Traits in Higher Education: Global, Resilient, Innovative, Trustworthy, and Talent

Abstract

Developing well-rounded, adaptable, and globally competitive graduates remains a strategic priority for higher education institutions. Beyond disciplinary knowledge, universities are increasingly expected to cultivate personal attributes that enable students to thrive in a rapidly globalising and competitive world.
This study examined the personality profiles of final-year students enrolled in a technical and vocational education programme in Malaysia, comparing learners from two academic pathways, Education and Technology, across six bachelor’s degree programs. Using a survey-comparative design, quantitative data were gathered from 259 students through a structured instrument measuring the five GRITT dimensions: Global, Resilient, Innovative, Trustworthy, and Talent. Descriptive statistics and independent samples t-tests were used to assess the differences between groups. Overall, both cohorts demonstrated moderate levels across all GRITT traits. Statistically significant differences were identified for the Innovative, Trustworthy, and Talent constructs, favouring students in the Technology pathway, whereas no significant differences emerged for the Global and Resilience dimensions. The findings highlight significant variations in personality development across academic pathways and reinforce the need for intentional strategies to enhance holistic student development, particularly within vocational education contexts aiming to produce future-ready graduates.