Going into 2022, VMware opened up the applications to apply and be awarded vExpert. Thought I'd do a quick write up on why anyone would want to become a vExpert. 

1. What the heck is a VMware vExpert? 

A VMware vExpert is an award granted to certain individuals that have contributed to the overall VMware community. It's not a certification and it does not matter how experienced you are with any specific VMware product. 

2. Tell me more. What are the requirements? 

Essentially, the vExpert team looks for individuals that are giving back to the public in the form of evangelizing VMware. These people go above and beyond their day jobs in the form of blogging, participating & coordinating local VMUG gatherings, and promoting VMware within your company.  Also, public speaking events, writing books and even contributing to VMware projects on Github are all parts of advocating VMware. 

You'll need to show how you are supplying content and knowledge to the overall IT community with an emphasis on VMware. 

3. Seems like a lot of work. Why would I do this? 

You know, it really isn't. It's like any other hobby you enjoy spending time on. For example, if you are running a home lab on VMware technology, blog about it! Or share your technology experiences across various platforms and engage in the community to help.

In the end, you'll not only build many professional connections by networking, but you'll also learn a ton working with individuals smarter than yourself. You'll be up-to-date with all the news and info related to VMware and most importantly, you'll have a voice within in the VMware community that may impact others. 

4. Ok. Say I do this. What's in it for me?

Becoming a vExpert includes quite a few benefits: 

• Network with over 2,000 other vExperts
• Opportunity to apply for 8 Official VMware Business Unit lead vExpert sub programs.
• Invite to our private vExpert #Slack channel
• Opportunity to apply for 10 product BU led vExpert sub-programs
• vExpert certificate signed by our VMware CEO
• Permission to use the vExpert logo on cards, website, etc. for one year
• Exclusive gifts from various VMware partners
• Private webinars with VMware partners as well as NFRs
• Access to private betas (subject to admission by beta teams)
• 365-day eval licenses for most products for home lab / cloud providers
• Private pre-launch briefings via our blogger briefing pre-VMworld (subject to admission by product teams)
• Featured in a public vExpert online directory
• Access to vetted VMware & Virtualization content for your social channels
• Yearly vExpert parties at both VMworld US and VMworld Europe events
• Identification as a vExpert at both VMworld US and VMworld EU

On top of these benefits listed, you'll likely progress in your career by surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals. 😀

5. Nice benefits! So how many vExperts are there?

As of today, there are currently around 2200 members globally! That's right! GLOBALLY! Really does sound like a cool kids club right? 🙂

6. Yeah! Sounds so exclusive! What drove you to applying?

Ya know, when I started to fall in love with VMware products years ago, it was cool seeing people that held a vExpert badge on their sites. I always thought they were the elite of the elite similar to VCDX individuals. Eventually, I put it aside, forgot about it, and kept doing what I liked which was blogging and sharing my experiences with others. I was a huge VMware Champion with my former employer and always advocated the technology. 

During that time I joined the local VMUG and became active in the group attending multiple events per year. I later became an official VMware resource as part of my local VMUG chapter. 

Then, just last year I decided to give it a shot for 2021. Unfortunately I was denied and got the dreaded e-mail. 

Despite receiving this, I didn't give up!!

I kept with my engagements on this blog and kept advocating the technology. Eventually, it all paid off as I was recently awarded vExpert for the first time in the 2nd half of 2021. 😎

7. Dude that's awesome! Ok I think I'm convinced.

Sweet! Well head on over and Apply. Currently applications are open till January 14th, 2022 and the awards will be announced on February 18th! There could be one with your name on it! 🙂

8. Last Question. What if I'm not accepted?

Don't give up! Just keep finding ways to engage and contribute to the community by sharing VMware knowledge. Applications happen twice a year, so there is still hope!

There is also a subprogram with a group of individuals called vExpert PROs. This special group helps to mentor and guide future vExpert members by helping you qualify to become a vExpert. So don't hesitate to reach out to a PRO in your region for help. 

How to Apply

Head on over to https://vexpert.vmware.com and click on the APPLY FOR VEXPERT 2022 link. 

Next you'll want to either Login or Create a New Account. 

Once you've logged in, continue on to submitting the application. There is also an Example Application button for you to take a look at how detailed you'll need to be. 

At this time, there are 4 qualification paths you can choose from. 

• Customer: This path is for customers that are champions of the VMware technology at their organization. These individuals work closely with VMware and are tightly coupled enough to be a case study or customer reference. 
• Partner: Partners are employees of companies that work together with VMware and have expressed their knowledge through various community engagements. 
• Evangelist: These individuals go far above and beyond their day jobs. They write blogs, books, speak at events, build apps and tools in the form of flings, contribute to VMware projects on Github, etc. 
• VCDX: This path is mainly reserved for VCDX holders. 

When done simply click on Submit Application at the bottom and that's it! Make sure you are extremely descriptive when filling in all the details. The more information, the better!