Before delving into my personal experience, let’s briefly discuss what vExpert is, its benefits, and some logical steps to achieve this title.
What is VMware vExpert?
VMware vExpert is not a technical certification. Instead, it’s an acknowledgment given by VMware to individuals who have shown significant involvement in the community and have shared their knowledge and skills with others. Such contributions can take the form of blogs, posts on social networks like LinkedIn, Facebook, and even presentations.
Benefits of being a vExpert:
Being a vExpert offers numerous advantages, including:
- Access to a community of over 2,500 vExperts, providing opportunities to network and share valuable information related to VMware solutions and technologies.
- The opportunity to obtain VMware product licenses, facilitating testing and enriching knowledge about VMware solutions while simultaneously gaining experience and material to continue sharing knowledge.
- Exclusive participation in vExpert subprograms.
- The possibility of attending private sessions with VMware and its partners.
- Potential to receive gifts and prizes from VMware and its partners.
- Exclusive invitations to vExpert celebration parties at VMware Explore US and VMware Explore Europe.
- Invitation to the VMware Advocacy Platform to share content with thousands of vExperts and VMware employees.
- Permission to use the vExpert logo on business cards, websites, etc., for a year.
- Being listed in the online public directory of VMware vExpert.
- The chance to join private Slack channels, and most importantly, networking opportunities to connect with professionals worldwide, often with personal and professional interests similar to yours.
Steps to Achieve the vExpert Title:
- Commitment to the Community: VMware values collaboration and participation in its community. Active participation in forums, answering questions, and assisting others on platforms like VMTN is essential.
- Create and Share Content: It’s crucial to produce and share quality content about VMware.
- Events and Talks: Participating as a speaker at events related to VMware, whether local or international, can add value and increase your chances.
- Learn and Get Certified: While vExpert isn’t a technical certification, having VMware certifications shows your knowledge.
- Apply for VMware vExpert: VMware won’t automatically award you the vExpert title. Once you feel you’ve made significant contributions to the community, it’s time to apply. VMware opens vExpert applications twice a year.
- Connect with Other vExperts: Interacting with current vExperts will allow you to learn more about how to contribute and will provide valuable advice to enhance your contributions.
vExpert Sub-programs
In recent years, different vExpert sub-programs have been launched for various Business Units and leaders. As of June 2023, there are 9 sub-programs.
Each of these sub-programs offers sessions under non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), as well as roadmaps for each Business Unit, opportunities to participate in beta projects, product feedback, Zoom meetings with Business Unit members, and much more. To view the list of all members of each sub-program, please refer to the vExpert directory. All programs have a similar approval process to that of the vExpert application.
My Experience
My Personal Experience I began by writing articles about VMware and other technologies on LinkedIn, seeing it as a way to give back to the community. It was something I always wanted to do. I had learned a lot from others’ articles and felt it was my turn to contribute. Creating content became my way of showing gratitude and giving back.
Motivated by the positivity and impact of my LinkedIn posts, I ventured further to create my own blog. Initially, I admit I was uncertain about how to proceed. However, my desire to learn and share prevailed. During this process, I was fortunate to connect with vExperts Pro like Celia Cristaldo, Rolando Kohl, and William Tellez, and even received support from VMware professionals and experts like Maria de los Angeles Silva and Waldemar Pera. Their selfless assistance was invaluable. Therefore, I advise anyone on this path to seek guidance from a vExpert or vExpert Pro, and of course, you can count on my support and help. amando.ramones@gmail.com
Building my blog was a significant learning experience. I familiarized myself with WordPress, learned about domain acquisition and management, and delved into the world of WordPress themes, plugins, fonts, images, color selection, and page structuring. While these initial challenges seemed daunting, each step brought me closer to my goal: sharing my knowledge and experiences with a broader audience.
In conclusion, my journey to the VMware vExpert title was more than just following steps or meeting requirements. It was a journey of self-discovery, learning, and most importantly, sharing. Now, as a vExpert, my desire is to help others on their journey. If you’re considering this path or need guidance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. amando.ramones@gmail.com
