Finding the clinical world
After finishing high school, I decided to return to Israel, a place that felt familiar and new. Transitioning into adulthood in this environment meant navigating not just personal growth but also the complexities of professional life. After my mandatory service, I entered the high-tech sector, working in the corporate world while earning my bachelor's degree. At the time, I imagined a future in human resources or organizational psychology—fields that seemed to align with my interest in human behavior and workplace dynamics.
My work in high-tech exposed me to fast-paced environments, diverse teams, and the inner workings of corporate culture. I enjoyed problem-solving, understanding team dynamics, and helping improve workflow efficiencies. Yet, something was missing. While I found the theoretical aspects of workplace psychology intriguing, the day-to-day corporate routine felt disconnected from the kind of work that truly fulfilled me. I began to question whether this was the right long-term path.
A turning point came when I took a more clinical class, which gave me hands-on experience working with children in specialized schools within the community. This experience was transformative. I found deep satisfaction in my personal connections, the ability to directly support and understand different types of children, and the tangible impact of my work. Unlike in the corporate setting, where success was measured in efficiency and productivity, this work felt personal, meaningful, and aligned with my natural strengths.
Through this experience, I realized that my passion lay not in analyzing organizational behavior from a distance but in working directly with individuals—helping them navigate their unique challenges and growth. This shift in perspective clarified my path. The skills I developed in adaptability, communication, and problem-solving were still valuable, but I saw a different application: direct client work in psychology.
Looking back, I appreciate that my exposure to the corporate world taught me valuable lessons about structure, resilience, and professional development. However, the moments of genuine human connection—working one-on-one with children, understanding their needs, and providing support—solidified my career direction. Psychology, for me, was not just about theories and research but about directly impacting people’s lives. I applied to various clinical programs in the United States and moved to Connecticut to pursue my doctorate.
