The world of technology continues to create opportunities that extend beyond familiar places and traditional career paths. As industries evolve and workplaces become increasingly interconnected, professionals are challenged to keep learning, adapt to new environments, and find ways to grow amid constant change.
For Riolyn Frias Tumaneng, a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Saint Louis Tuguegarao (USLT) in 2014, this pursuit of growth has taken her across different industries and international work environment. Now based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, she works as a Software Engineer, bringing with her the technical foundation, discipline, and values she developed during her years as a Louisian.
She began her professional journey as a Test Engineer, where she discovered her interest in identifying software problems before they reach users and helping development teams produce reliable systems.
Her career progressed from junior to senior roles, allowing her to work with international companies, including Accenture, Infor, Magenic (now part of Cognizant), and Tyler Technologies. Through these opportunities, she collaborated with clients and stakeholders across Europe and the United States, gaining experience in different professional environment and working cultures.
Her work also exposed her to various industries, including enterprise resource planning (ERP), healthcare and medical technology, and courts and justice. These experiences broadened her understanding of how technology supports organizations and affects people’s everyday lives.
“Each one taught me something new about how software affects people’s lives,” she shared.
Beyond professional growth, Tumaneng also experienced the flexibility of remote work, which allowed her to travel while pursuing her career. She worked from different locations, including airport lounges, hotels, trains, and coffee shops, while visiting several countries in Asia, particularly Japan and Vietnam.
She described those years as an opportunity to develop flexibility and self-discipline while learning to deliver quality work regardless of location.
Today, she is based in Abu Dhabi, working alongside colleagues representing more than 30 nationalities. Her international experience continues to expand as she pursues professional certifications and explores new areas of knowledge.
Among her credentials are the ISTQB Foundation Level, Advanced Level Technical Test Analyst, and Agile Tester certifications. She is also working toward additional certifications in software testing and requirements engineering, while studying Japanese and Spanish.
For Tumaneng, professional development goes beyond acquiring credentials. It means remaining open to learning, especially in areas outside one’s established expertise.
“Nearly everything is accessible online now,” she noted, emphasizing the opportunities available to those willing to explore new technologies, tools, and skills.
Carrying the Louisian values beyond the classroom
Despite the opportunities that have taken her far from Cagayan Valley, Tumaneng continues to recognize the role of her USLT education in shaping her professional journey. She considers the knowledge and values gained during her undergraduate years as foundations she still draws on nearly 12 years after graduation.
“My Computer Science education at USLT gave me the technical foundation for my career: logical thinking, problem-solving, and an understanding of how software is built. Almost 12 years later, I still rely on those fundamentals every time I learn a new tool or system,” she said.
Her university experience also helped develop skills beyond technical knowledge. As a student leader, she learned responsibility and collaboration, while presenting a research paper on data analytics using social media platforms strengthened her confidence in communicating ideas and defending her work.
She recalled how these experiences prepared her for her present responsibilities, particularly when engaging with stakeholders from different countries.
“I still remember presenting our research paper on data analytics using social media platforms. Standing in front of the panel built my confidence and taught me how to explain complex ideas clearly and stand behind our work. I use those skills today when speaking with stakeholders from different countries,” she shared.
She also credited her teachers for encouraging resourcefulness and independent learning, qualities that have remained essential throughout her career.
“Most of all, USLT formed me to work with discipline and integrity, to do things right even when no one is watching. In testing, that value matters every day,” Tumaneng emphasized.
For her, being a Louisian also means recognizing that professional knowledge and skills should contribute to the welfare of others. This is a principle she continues to carry wherever her career takes her.
Staying curious and embracing opportunities
As someone who has built a career across different countries, industries, and professional environment, Tumaneng encourages students and fellow alumni to remain curious, take advantage of available learning opportunities, and be willing to explore beyond familiar surroundings.
She believes that continuous learning should not be limited to formal education or one’s chosen field. With the accessibility of online resources, she encourages young professionals to develop new interests, acquire relevant skills, and keep pace with technological developments.
“Don’t be afraid to start small or to work with people far beyond home, because the world is more reachable than it seems,” she advised.
She also highlighted the importance of using technology responsibly, particularly as new tools continue to influence professional and personal activities.
“Learn to use them responsibly and with integrity, and let them support your own thinking, not replace it,” she reminded.
Above all, she encourages Louisian learners and graduates to pursue growth at their own pace without comparing their journeys with those of others.
“Your journey doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s to be meaningful,” she said.
From her first role as a Test Engineer to her present work in Abu Dhabi, Tumaneng’s journey demonstrates how a strong educational foundation, coupled with discipline, adaptability, and a willingness to keep learning, can open opportunities beyond one’s place of origin.
Her story reflects the values of a Louisian who continues to grow professionally while remaining grounded in the lessons and principles gained from her alma mater.
Wherever her career takes her, she carries with her the knowledge, discipline, and integrity that shaped her beginnings at USLT.
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