Reisanne “Mik” Camille S. was scrolling through TikTok when she first heard about HireSmart Virtual Employees. After years of working remotely for Capital One, progressing from tech support to assisting senior leaders with projects and initiatives, she faced a dilemma. The bank was calling employees back to the office, and she dreaded confronting horrific traffic after years of remote-work freedom. 

When a TikTok content creator mentioned HireSmart’s transparent salary structure, something clicked for Mik. She took the assessments, passed the rigorous vetting process, and found herself matched with a U.S. keynote speaker. Nearly one year later, that TikTok discovery led to her winning the 2025 “HireSmart Top Newbie VE Award” and a new laptop computer during HireSmart’s 2025 Awards Banquet. 

Mik said her work energizes her.  

“I love what I’m doing,” she said. “Every time my client has a project or a new initiative, that excites me.”  

Mik brings a designer’s eye and a technologist’s mind to her role. With a mass communication degree and vocational training in website design, she handles everything from social media posts to website development for her client’s keynote speaking business and consulting institute. She works with a wide range of programs and uses AI to help her expand her knowledge. 

Mik’s client is impressed with her many talents. 

“Mik demonstrates personal organization and goes above and beyond her role,” said her client. “When she first came to our organization her design acumen was different than how we design collateral for our company. She took the time to get feedback and learn and then continue to grow to make it better. We have had a few challenging projects this year, including a website revamp and she not only kept up with deadlines, she has done her own research in how to make it perform better without being asked. She has challenged herself to learn more about social media strategy and has built beautiful media kits to advertise our services. She always is a positive light in our team meetings. I am so pleased with Mik and appreciate all she has contributed to our team over the last year!” 

Mik said the job provides her with professional rewards, but also personal ones. 

Working virtually eliminates her commute: no traffic, no travel expenses, no time lost.  

“It’s rewarding to know that I have the time on my hands to manage all of my personal things,” she said.  

That time flexibility proved crucial when she was evaluating her next career move. When Mik researched virtual assistant work, she encountered the same choice many Filipino professionals face: work directly with overseas clients through freelance platforms, or join an agency. She chose the agency route deliberately.  

“I heard a lot about working directly with a client, and then if they decide to just cut you off, that’s the end of it,” she said. “But with HireSmart, even if suddenly something happens with the client, at least I have someone who will look after me.” 

That security matters to people she knows considering similar career transitions. When former colleagues ask about her experience, she’s candid about the advantages she’s found. Her advice to anyone considering the move is straightforward: find an agency that will match you with the right client rather than searching blindly on platforms.  

“If you have an agency, they can help you,” she said. “They can help you the perfect fit client for you. Also, they make sure that you’re doing this legally and the person you’re dealing with is legal.” 

The benefits question comes up frequently in these conversations. People worry about losing the comprehensive coverage traditional employers provide. Mik points out that HireSmart offers HMO coverage, with dependent coverage available after one year, and retirement plans. These aren’t abstract concerns. For professionals accustomed to traditional employment benefits, they’re practical necessities. 

Her onboarding experience reinforced her decision.  

“HireSmart basically provided me everything that I need to know about (my client),” she said. “I think the onboarding was perfect.”  

Outside work, Mik maintains an active lifestyle that her client indirectly supports.  

“This is also one of the things, or the reasons why I love [her], because she does yoga,” she said. “I utilize her library to do yoga.” 

Mik recently added a gym membership to her routine, making it her New Year’s resolution to build consistency. On weekends, Mik hikes and travels when she can. She reads extensively, including young adult fiction and science fiction and watches family dramas on Netflix, which keeps her exposed to American cultural references.  

“I love reading a lot and watching a lot, so I am well exposed when it comes to American culture,” she said.  

Understanding that cultural context helps her work more effectively with U.S. clients. 

She believes strong virtual employees share certain qualities: respecting confidentiality, technological competence, cultural awareness, and openness to feedback.  

“For many years, that’s what I have observed in myself. I only learned if the people are giving me feedback of what was wrong with what I did or what I did well, and in that way, I improve my work, especially with designs,” she said.  

It’s that combination of technical skill and professional maturity that earned her recognition as HireSmart’s top new virtual employee — and the laptop that came with it. 

If you’re interested in finding an employee like Mik for your team, click here to schedule a free consultation at your convenience. 

If this environment of personal development and genuine support sounds like the right place for you, click here to apply to HireSmart Virtual Employees.