How to Become vExpert 2024: Everything You Should Know

The applications for the vExpert program are currently open. The application period will end at 19th of January 2024 at which point the selection process will begin.

The vExpert program is ideal for enthusiasts of VMware, home lab users, content creators, and public speakers. This global advocacy program by VMware acknowledges individuals who share their expertise and experiences with the VMware community worldwide.

If you’re hesitant about joining this group of VMware experts, you’re not alone. Many, including myself, have had similar reservations before applying, only to find them unwarranted. Members of the vExpert community are technology enthusiasts eager to assist and impart their knowledge.

Participation in the program enhanced my capabilities as a system engineer. Not only did I gain access to free licenses for my home lab, which furthered my skill development, but I also connected with like-minded individuals. This network has empowered me to start a blog, create video content, and even venture into podcasting.

What are the benefits of the vExpert program?

The vExpert program offers unique opportunities such as access to advance notice webinars and events hosted by VMware business units, providing insights into new products, features, and vendor collaborations before public announcements. A notable benefit for members is the receipt of 365-day evaluation keys for almost the entire VMware product suite, along with keys from third-party vendors like Veeam, Vembu, Runecast Solutions, and Synergy. Devolutions also provides free NFR (Not for Resale) licenses for personal use and demo purposes to qualified members.

Additionally, vExperts have access to a dedicated Slack channel for support and community interaction, which I have personally found valuable. Being a vExpert connects you with over 1,400 peers, offering networking opportunities and a platform for sharing VMware-related knowledge. This role can also enhance your online presence and blog traffic through advocacy campaigns.

One of the most significant advantages is access to one-year licenses for VMware products and some partner products, ideal for developing skills in a home lab environment. The program allows for involvement in vExpert BU Lead subprograms, granting direct access to insights from VMware Business Units.

Other perks include private sessions with VMware and its partners, gifts and awards from these entities, and exclusive invites to vExpert celebration parties at VMware events. vExperts can also contribute to the VMware Advocacy Platform, use the vExpert logo for branding, get listed in the online directory, and join private Slack channels.

Overall, becoming a vExpert presents a substantial opportunity to enhance your technical expertise, grow your professional network, and advance in the VMware community.

Which Path Should you Apply for?

Evangelist Path
The Evangelist Path includes book authors, bloggers, tool builders, public speakers, VMTN contributors, and other IT professionals who share their knowledge and passion with others with the leverage of a personal public platform to reach many people. Employees of VMware can also apply via the Evangelist path. A VMware employee reference is recommended if your activities weren’t all in public.

Customer Path
The Customer Path is for leaders who evangelize VMware. We are looking for passionate customers who do the work to evangelize within their organization or worked with VMware to build success stories, act as customer references, given public interviews, spoken at conferences, or were VMUG leaders. The actives must not be related to your position within the company, i.e. not being paid for evangelizing VMware. A VMware employee reference is recommended if your activities weren’t all in public.

Partner Path
The VPN Path is for employees of our partner companies who lead with passion and by example, who are committed to continuous learning through accreditation’s and certifications and to making their technical knowledge and expertise available to many. This can take shape of event participation, video, IP generation, as well as public speaking engagements.

VMUG & VCDXPaths
If you are an active VMUG Leader or hold the title of VCDX you will qualify for the vExpert award. VCDXs are verified through the VCDX directory. VMUG leader titles and activities are also verified and you must be an active leader in your chapter. Inactive VMUG leaders will not qualify for the award. To apply via VMUG or VCDX, please use the evangelist path and state you are a VCDX or VMUG leader and which chapter. All VCDX applicants will be verified via
vcdx.vmware.com.

How to apply?

  1. Go to vExpert portal: https://vexpert.vmware.com/apply
  2. Make sure your profile is always up to date.
  3. Fill out the form.
    • If you have any questions, please reach out to me via Twitter
  4. Remember application deadline is the 19th of January 2024
  5. Good luck!

Need help?

Starting the week after Explore 2023 in Barcelona, Wouter Kursten will be running a weekly vExpert office hour Zoom call. During these sessions, attendees can come with questions, and if they want to discuss their application, it can be reviewed as well. Even for those who are not yet prepared content-wise, guidance will be provided on what to do for the next round of applications. These sessions will take place between 20.00h and 21.00h ECT +1 on Monday evenings, and Wouter will try to involve multiple vExpert Pros to offer as much help as possible. His good friend Martin Micheelsen will be conducting a similar session on Thursday evenings.

If you are interested in joining the vExpert Office Hours, please email vexpertofficehours@gmail.com so that you can be added to either or both of the calendar invitations.

You can also join on the days via Zoom using these details:

Monday, Nov 20th @ 11am PST: https://controlup.zoom.us/j/88097691748?pwd=VWdyM0dJNmh6ektwK3RMUnVQbmswUT09 – Meeting ID: 880 9769 1748 – Passcode: 639880

Thursday, Nov 16th @ 11am PST: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89857929487?pwd=q12Tx28D2jYJpxAbJ7NgW5qLpKabar.1 – Meeting ID: 898 5792 9487 – Passcode: 074867

🔥Subscribe to the channel: https://bit.ly/3vY16CT🔥

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