As a child, Hajar Al-Qaidi did not show a clear inclination toward any particular profession. Reading—especially poetry and novels—was her daily nourishment, driven by a love of discovery.

She grew up in a cautious environment, where choices for women were limited, and the future was often pre-scripted by society rather than shaped by the individual. So, perhaps guided by a quiet wisdom, she adopted in her early years at King Abdulaziz University a simple existential stance: to be content with the present and befriend the moment, without burdening herself with the weight of future uncertainties.

This was not mental laziness, but rather a philosophical approach to the joy of going with the flow—not surrender, but a training in awareness.

When the opportunity for a scholarship to the UK arose, Hajar began to feel there was a science that resembled her. In London, she studied psychology, then specialized in occupational psychology.

We take you on this journey with her so we may benefit from her insights on how to choose a healthcare specialty or career that matches our personality and skills.

How would you describe your experience in the UK?

It was a true “mental transformation.” I didn’t just study—I practiced systematic thinking. In London, where I studied occupational psychology, we were given psychological case studies from specialized companies and tasked with analyzing them and writing weekly reports.

The university wasn’t just an institution that handed out degrees—it was a place that shaped minds for independence. We were trained in job analysis tools, professional compatibility assessments, workplace environment evaluations, organizational behavior, and even psychometric test analysis. The goal was not to memorize but to practice; to be tool-makers, not just tool-users. I obtained a license from the British Psychological Society to assess psychological tests—this credential requires annual renewal and is a gateway to professional mastery in the field.

What happened after you returned to Saudi Arabia?

I worked at Effat University, then at the Family Counseling Center at Princess Nourah University, where I was responsible for training and development. But the real transformation wasn’t professional—it was existential. It came when I joined an entrepreneurship course at the King Salman Youth Center.

There, I encountered a new world—where ideas can become companies, and ambition doesn't need anyone’s permission. I founded my company, Istinar for Occupational Psychology Consulting, starting with a simple website that featured validated tools in the field. I resigned from my job and committed fully to this path.

If someone wants help choosing a specialty, how do you guide them?

We start by mapping out their personal values—an exercise in self-understanding, exploring their motivations and internal compass. Then, we conduct what I call a “personality compass” assessment. Afterward, we open a candid dialogue to discuss the results of the personality tests they took.

Finally, we use a tool to measure “decision disruption factors”—things like family pressure or the confusion between external expectations and internal desires.

What do you mean by decision disruption factors?

Imagine a young man or woman as the youngest member of a large family—everyone wants to have a say in their future: brother, mother, father, uncle... Their own voice gets drowned out until it vanishes. Our job is to help them reclaim that voice—to distinguish between what they truly want and what others want for them. There are specialized assessments that measure these kinds of disruptive influences.

In short, what are the key steps in choosing a major or career path?

• Ask yourself: What are the subjects or activities where time flies without you noticing? That’s what you love deeply.

• Look at labor market demand—study future trends and data.

• Read the academic curriculum for the major in detail.

• Review job descriptions for likely roles.

• Look into universities that offer real value—not just consume your time—but provide solid training.

• Talk to professionals in the field—not out of curiosity, but like someone investigating their fate. Many professionals share their experiences on social media—ask them about the challenges and joys of their career.

Can choosing the wrong major lead to burnout?

Absolutely. And I say this not just as an opinion, but as a repeated observation. Many people suffer breakdowns, panic, and a loss of meaning because they entered a field that doesn't resemble them. Sometimes, all they need is a sincere career guide—one who doesn’t dictate, but illuminates.

What about rare or unavailable specialties in Saudi Arabia?

If you can’t find something that suits you in Saudi Arabia, look to Korea, the U.S., Italy—why not? The world is vast, and fields are more diverse than we imagine. Just beware of professional myths like: “That’s only for men,” “There’s no future in that,” or “No one respects that job.” Don’t sacrifice your passion for the sake of others’ opinions.

Do health professions require specific traits?

There are no absolute rules. But someone who’s emotionally sensitive may struggle in emergency medicine or psychiatry. Medical fields, in general, require empathy—but also mental resilience.

How important is labor market analysis in choosing the right career?

The market shouldn’t be seen as the enemy of passion—it’s a mirror of reality. When you ask, “What will Saudi Arabia need in ten years?” you’re not being cold—you’re acting with personal responsibility. The future isn’t guessed; it’s anticipated through awareness and analysis.

Do you believe in career shifts?

Certainly. A profession isn’t a lifelong destiny. Sometimes, we reach the midpoint of our careers and realize we need a new spark. That doesn’t diminish us—it means we’re intellectually alive.

What books do you recommend for those confused about career choice?

Some helpful titles include: What Color is Your parachute?, and Status Anxiety.

Are there scientific tools to evaluate job-personality fit?

Yes. We use a specialized “toolkit” that analyzes personality, jobs, and the compatibility between them. Sometimes, these tools are like a map that saves you when you’re lost in the forest.

Hajar, thank you so much for this conversation and for sharing your journey with us.

Thank you—and the pleasure is mine.