Alumni of The Month

1.    Introduce yourself?

I am Dr. Sami Al-Hourani, a social entrepreneur, and a graduate of the University of Jordan's Faculty of Medicine. I graduated about fifteen years ago. I founded two platforms: Fursa.com and SouqFan.com, and I am currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the “National Center for Human Rights" by Royal Decree. I was also a member of the Board of Trustees of “Kadbe," the King Abdullah II Center for Design and Development, which later became known as the “Jordanian Center for Design, Jodbi." I am also a member of the Board of Trustees of the “National Center for Women's Affairs" and the “Arts Management Foundation." I serve in various institutions at the board level, but my primary work is managing my platforms Ursa.com and SouqFan.com. Additionally, I work in the field of strategy development. I previously worked on the “Youth Strategy for Jordan" for the period of 2016 to 2025, and I have just finished preparing the “Social Protection Strategy" for the period of 2025 to 2032, which will be presented to His Majesty King Abdullah II in the coming days. I am married and have a son named Hashim, who is two years and eight months old. In short, this is a brief introduction about me. Academically, I completed my medical degree (M.D.) at the University of Jordan, followed by a Master's in Social Innovation Technology from Blund University. I also completed a fellowship at Harvard University in Leadership and Community Organizing, and another with Dialor Foundation in Persuasive Communication and Public Speaking, where I learned public speaking and persuasion skills. I also worked at Stanford University in the field of robotic surgery. This is briefly my academic and professional path, and I achieved all of this at a relatively young age. I was about fifteen years old when I graduated, so I consider myself young in terms of work and professional trajectory.

Recently, we were honored to win the “ESCWA" award for Best Arab Digital Content for Sustainable Development in 2025 for the Ursa.com platform. After more than 13 years of hard work, we presented innovative content that helps Arab youth build their skills and increase their competitiveness in the global job market. Our vision has always been that youth need more than just job opportunities, but also opportunities and skills that qualify them to compete. With over 5 million users, we have provided tens of thousands of educational and training opportunities. By using artificial intelligence, we promise to offer new services to help youth easily access and secure opportunities. This award is a great motivation for us to expand and work with regional and international organizations. Thank you to ESCWA and everyone who supported us, and to the team working hard to ensure the quality of Ursa's content.

2.    Share your fondest memory from your time at Jordan University?

The most beautiful memory I have is the day of graduation; that moment when the full reel of memories played through my mind, with the question of whether what was happening was real or a dream. Our graduation ceremony was simple yet special in Al-Hassan Auditorium at the Deanship of Student Affairs, and my entire family was present. At that moment, I felt a mixture of joy for my achievement and sadness for saying goodbye to the university and student days, especially since I was an active student on all fronts. I will never forget my professors who left a great impact on my personality, such as Dr. Islam Massad, the Vice Dean at the time, and Dr. Azmi Mahafza, along with other doctors who played a role in shaping my career path. Those who were my professors yesterday are now my colleagues, and we have come together for joint committees and tasks, which is something I take great pride in.

3.    In one word, how would you describe Jordan University?

For me, the University of Jordan is a “Hub" (a central meeting point), because it is a place where you meet all types of people from every part of Jordan. From north to south, from east to west… from everywhere. It can be considered a melting pot where all segments of society are present, and this is what distinguishes it.

4.    Explain how your experiences at UJ shaped you?

During my medical studies, I faced significant psychological pressure due to long study hours, continuous exams, and constant effort, which greatly increased my ability to endure. This preparation made me realize that the challenges I face today are simpler compared to what I went through before. Even long working hours became familiar to me, as I got used to taking five exams a week, for example. Studying medicine helped me develop endurance, patience, flexibility, and risk management, as if I failed a subject, I had to repeat the entire academic year.

5.    Discuss what fascinated you about your chosen course of study?

I chose to study medicine influenced by the environment I grew up in, as both my father and mother are doctors. The path wasn't easy, but it shaped my way of thinking. What attracted me most to medicine was the methodology of thinking: accurate diagnosis, problem analysis, building strategies, and following through with their execution. From investing in understanding the causes to choosing the best solutions using different tools such as tests and analyses. Today, I have applied this methodology to my work with “Ursa.com," where I help address challenges like unemployment by creating real job opportunities. The human aspect of medicine that I loved, which is alleviating people's pain, continues but in a different way: by easing the suffering of job seekers and helping them build a better future.

6.    Offer advice to graduating students preparing to enter the workforce?

My advice to students today is to focus on building networks, gaining practical experience, and acquiring job skills early. Any student or graduate who starts training or volunteering distinguishes themselves quickly, as they gain real experience in dealing with people and skills that are not available to everyone. Starting practical experience early during your studies puts you ahead compared to your peers. Another important aspect is expanding your network. Volunteering, for example, allows you to meet different types of people and social backgrounds. The larger your network, the stronger you are, and the more opportunities you have. Finally, it is essential to develop emotional and social intelligence: to first understand yourself, then understand and interact with others intelligently. These skills today are equal to, and perhaps surpass, traditional academic knowledge.

7.    Reflect on what you wish you had known during your time as a student?

I wish I had had more experience in dealing with problems more broadly and maturely during my university years. We used to consider, for example, that the microbiology exam was the end of the world, and there was a kind of short-sightedness in how we dealt with challenges. We thought that getting a grade lower than A+ meant complete failure, and the opposite was also true. Over time, I realized that the truth is completely different: the university grade is a temporary result, not a judgment on personal value. Not everyone who gets a C grade is a failure in life. Today, the most important thing is possessing skills and developing abilities, and exams cannot be the only measure of a person's success or failure. During my studies at the University of Jordan, I had already started my project “Ursa.com," to believe that true success starts with initiative and work, not just grades. Today, with tools like artificial intelligence, a graduate can easily access information, but the true skill lies in how to apply that knowledge to solve problems and create opportunities.

8.    Identify the person who has had the greatest impact on your career?

The person who had a significant impact on my professional life is Dr. Omar Razzaz. He was more than just a role model to me; he was like a father, a brother, and a mentor. His way of dealing with both humanity and professionalism inspired me greatly. I also cannot forget the people I worked with in the beginning, those who trusted and believed in me even though they didn't fully know all my abilities. Their faith and support played a fundamental role in my professional journey..