VMware vExpert applications are now open for 2nd half 2020
I earned my first VMware Certified Professional certificate back in September of 2005, in preparation for a 6 month contract at a pharmaceutical that required it. Very thankful for IBM's funding to make that happen, and I kept it going at my own cost for many years. The thing is, I eventually wanted to find a way to document some ideas and tips and what I learned from deploying VMware, beyond just passing the VCP test. So I began blogging at TinkerTry in 2011.
After 3 years of content creation, I heard about the vExpert program, hoping I'd get in by applying. Gladly, I did, earning my first vExpert back in 2014.
I'm writing this quick article to help encourage you, my TinkerTry reader, to consider applying to vExpert for yourself by June 20th. If you're here reading this, you are quite likely in possession of some skills that can help others if you're willing to take the time to share them. Not because you have to, but because you want to.
If you need a little help with your first-time application, I would encourage you to reach out to your local vExpert Pro at vexpert.vmware.com/directory/pro. These amazing volunteers who are willing to give of their free time to go well above-and-beyond, specializing in helping you get your application in with your best foot forward. If you read the fine print under the huge directory, you'll see that they are fueled by stroopwafels!
The VMware vExpert program is not about passing a certification test. There is no test. Instead, it's an advocacy program, recognizing that you've given back to the VMware virtualization community in a significant way, and are willing to take a moment to document your efforts. The benefits are many-fold, including access to the VAST library of VMware software downloads and license keys, snazzy looking logos for your blog and/or social channels or videos, access to special events and slack channels, and of course, recognition by your colleagues and IT professional peers that you've made the effort to help others in their IT professional careers. I for one am grateful and proud to be a vExpert since 2014, and I sure hope to continue to enjoy being a vExpert for many years to come.
See also
Apply now at:
- vexpert.vmware.com
Program Overview
The VMware vExpert program is VMware's global evangelism and advocacy program. The program is designed to put VMware's marketing resources towards your advocacy efforts. Promotion of your articles, exposure at our global events, co-op advertising, traffic analysis, and early access to beta programs and VMware's roadmap. The awards are for individuals, not companies, and last for one year. Employees of both customers and partners can receive the awards. In the application, we consider various community activities from the previous year as well as the current year's (only for 2nd half applications) activities in determining who gets awards. We look to see that not only were you active but are still active in the path you chose to apply for.
Criteria
If you are interested in becoming a vExpert the criteria is simple. We are looking for IT Professionals who are sharing their VMware knowledge and contributing that back to the community. The term "giving back" is defined as going above and beyond your day job. There are several ways to share your knowledge and engage with the community. Some of those activities are blogging, book authoring, magazine articles, CloudCred task writing, active in Facebook groups, forum (VMTN as well as other non VMware) platforms, public speaking, VMUG leadership, videos and so on.
See also at TinkerTry
- How to apply your VMUG Advantage EVALExperience vSphere 7 license keys to your home lab
May 06 2020This article and video assume you've already installed vSphere 7 in your home lab, and you are now seeking a little guidance on exactly how to go about applying your license keys during the 60 day evaluation period, without any interruption in running your (non-production) workloads.
