vExpert Application: What VMUG Members Should Know
Recently the vExpert application opened and I encourage all
VMUG members to consider applying. If
you are unfamiliar with the program, let me give you an overview.
The vExpert program has been around for over a decade and is
VMware’s global evangelism and advocacy program. They accept applications twice a year, so
this opportunity is only available for a limited time.
The application is straight forward, but here are some tips
for you to get started.
First, applicants must pick a qualification path. This can be customer, partner, evangelist, or
VCDX. The customer and partners are self-explanatory. The evangelist is someone who is excited
about VMware products and evangelizes their benefits and solutions. The VCDX route is for those who have that
certification.
One thing I like about vExpert program is your application
is based on you. Not your company,
company spend, certifications, or deployments.
Some of these should be mentioned when filling out the application, but
it isn’t required.
Next, you have 4 sections to complete your qualifying
activities: content creation, events and speaking, online communities, VMware
programs, and other activities.
·
Content creation. Do you blog, produce
whitepapers, videos, podcasts, or produce content in another medium? This is where I listed my personal blog and
the VMUG blog where I post some of my content.
·
Events and speaking. Here you list every
event in which you have been involved. You
may be surprised by how many events you can list, so spend some time
researching this. This could be planning,
speaking, hosting, moderating, emceeing, etc.
·
Online communities, tools, and resources. If you are part of the VMUG, VMTN, vBrownbag,
or other IT groups list them here.
·
VMware programs. This would be Customer Advisor Boards, certifications,
or customer reference programs.
·
Other activities. This is a catch-all for
miscellaneous items that don’t fit above.
And finally, here are my pro tips:
·
Use photos to refresh your memory. Scroll
through your photos to remember the events you participated in during the
year. I did this and found 2 additional
events I spoke at I forgot about.
·
List URLs. The application doesn’t need to be long, so
use URLs to show the details about a particular entry.
·
Ask for help. If you are new to this, ask someone to review
your application or help brainstorm ideas.
I’m available, vExpert Pros are available, and the vCommunity in general
is here to help.
·
Do it.
Don’t be shy and give it a try. The
link to get started is here: https://vexpert.vmware.com/.
Once you have done this and are in the program, encourage
others to apply. I am in the program
because Ravi Venkatasubbaiah encouraged me to apply. It was not something I considered, even
though I was familiar with the program.
I am so grateful he suggested I do this.
It has been rewarding and I’m thankful to be part of the program and
part of a community of vExperts that span the globe.
See you at a VMUG!
Brad
Thanks Brad! Currently preparing myself for the vExpert program.
ReplyDeletePaul Vincent A. Fajardo
IT Systems Manager
That's great! Happy to help if needed!
ReplyDelete