Breaking into a career is often unpredictable, but for Christian Sun, Certified HR Professional, the journey was intentional from the start. “I always planned to go into HR,” he says. “Looking back, I remember helping my mother with timekeeping and payroll. I even assisted her with handing out salaries in small brown envelopes.” That early exposure planted the seeds for a career defined by adaptability, fairness, and people-centered leadership.
Christian’s first role after graduation was as an HR officer. From there, he embraced what he calls “job hopping” to accelerate his career. “Every move I made was about exposure and growth,” he explains. “I wanted to learn new approaches, adapt to different industries, and expand my perspective.” While some might value long tenure with a single employer, he believes there is equal merit in seeking diverse experiences. “For me, job hopping fast-tracked my HR career.”
Lessons From the Field
Christian’s growth was shaped by key experiences early on. Labor relations left a strong impression. “I was exposed to companies that weren’t complying with labor law,” he recalls. Witnessing those lapses gave him a deeper sense of responsibility to uphold fairness and compliance in every role he took.
He also saw HR’s transformation first-hand—from the days of bundy clocks to today’s face-recognition apps and integrated payroll systems. “The introduction of IT changed everything,” he says. “From manual payroll to Excel, and now to software that allows employees to view payslips or file leaves online—it showed me how fast HR has to adapt.”
The lesson that still guides him today is simple: “Never stop learning. Change is constant,” he says. For Christian, staying updated means attending at least one seminar, training, or webinar each year. He also taps into online platforms. “Almost everything is available now—YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook groups—you just need to use them wisely.”
A Career Built on People
As an HR Business Partner and leader today, Christian handles the full spectrum of HR operations. His mornings are often spent checking emails and addressing nationwide concerns, while afternoons focus on project deliverables and team meetings. At the heart of it all is a commitment to people.
“I’m most passionate about employee relations,” he shares. “A simple program or activity can boost morale and motivation. It doesn’t need to be extravagant—what matters is that employees feel appreciated.” At the same time, he takes discipline seriously. “I make sure to comply with due process for all cases. Employees deserve a fair chance to explain their side.”
That sense of balance also extends to building workplace culture. “It’s walk the talk,” he explains. “If I want my team to deliver something, I need to show them I can deliver the same.”
Fairness Above All
When asked about the most fulfilling part of his career, Christian’s answer is direct: “Ensuring fairness.” He envisions HR not just as a compliance function but as a trusted support system. “HR should be the place where employees feel safe to consult when they have work-related concerns,” he says.
But fairness also means guiding managers and leaders. “I make sure management doesn’t exceed or abuse their authority. At the same time, employees must also know their limitations and respect the same.” For him, true workplace harmony happens when both sides understand their roles and boundaries.
Challenges That Define the Profession
Recruitment remains one of the toughest areas he faces. “Attracting and retaining talent is always challenging,” he admits. “Sometimes you encounter applicants who accept a job offer and then disappear. It’s hit or miss because we’re dealing with people, and people are unpredictable.”
Still, Christian sees those challenges as part of the profession’s evolving nature. “I love dealing with different personalities and interacting with them,” he says. “Resolving conflicts, helping management and employees work harmoniously—that’s where I find purpose.”
A Continuous Journey
For Christian Sun, being a Certified HR Professional is more than a title—it’s proof of a lifelong commitment to growth, adaptability, and fairness. From helping his mother in payroll as a child to leading people and systems today, his journey is one of both personal and professional evolution.
“HR didn’t just become my career—it became my calling,” he reflects. “It’s about creating fairness, supporting people, and making sure change always leads to progress.”
