For Noriena Veridiano, becoming an HR executive in Dubai wasn’t part of a grand career plan—it was the result of small, consistent steps that began with managing payroll files during her college internship.
“My journey into Human Resources started in 2012 through an on-the-job training program at Bayer Philippines,” Noriena told Financial Adviser PH. “I handled basic HR tasks like payroll file management. That experience sparked my interest in the field.”
What began as a student internship quickly evolved into a passion—and eventually, a career. After graduation, Noriena landed her first full-time role as a General Affairs Assistant at Canon Business Machines Philippines. From there, she steadily moved through the ranks—taking on more complex responsibilities across administration and HR.
“I’ve always been passionate about people, and HR felt like a natural fit where I could support, develop, and engage individuals within an organization,” she said. “What really inspired me was seeing how HR professionals shape company culture, resolve challenges, and empower others to grow. I wanted to be part of that transformative work.”
Today, as an HR Executive based in Dubai, Noriena is not just supporting employees—she’s influencing policy, strategy, and organizational culture across an international setting. But her journey to this point was shaped by key moments that taught her resilience, adaptability, and leadership.
One of those moments came during a national crisis.
“Being part of crisis teams—like during the Taal Volcano eruption—and co-leading business continuity plans helped me realize the strategic impact HR can have,” she said. “We weren’t just supporting operations. We were making real-time decisions that affected people’s safety, morale, and well-being.”
Outside of crisis response, she also led initiatives that streamlined administrative systems and improved employee experience—like digitizing shuttle and meal management and organizing major events such as plant inaugurations.
“Those experiences taught me project leadership and how to implement employee-centered solutions that are both practical and meaningful,” she added.
While Noriena now leads HR efforts from one of the world’s most dynamic business hubs, her path wasn’t always so clear-cut. She initially considered other tracks within psychology but kept finding herself drawn back to HR.
“Initially, I was open to various career paths in psychology, but my first few experiences in administrative and HR roles solidified my decision,” she said. “It was a gradual realization—but I found myself drawn to the field more and more with each role I took.”
Looking back, she attributes much of her success to a deceptively simple principle: listen first.
“Active listening has helped me resolve conflicts, understand employee needs, and build meaningful relationships across all levels of the organization,” Noriena shared. “It’s a simple but powerful tool that continues to guide how I work every day.”
Now a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP), Noriena applies a blend of strategic thinking and human empathy to her role—always keeping employees at the center of every decision.
“CHRP gave me a strong foundation and validated what I had learned from experience. It also reinforced my belief that HR is both a science and a craft—grounded in systems but driven by people,” she said.
Her journey—from managing files as an intern to shaping HR strategies abroad—is proof that a successful career doesn’t require perfect planning. It takes purpose, perseverance, and the willingness to keep growing.
