I guess this is one of the key points how the vCommunity encouraged others and supports each other. I was encouraged by Ather Beg (@atherbeg Twitter handle) to start my journey to become a vExpert, I personally enjoy mentoring and I started teaching a couple of friends who got interested in learning VMware. It was at this point when I thought that I should start a YouTube channel on May 2019. I got in touch with Athar when I applied for vExpert program in 2nd half 2019 vExpert program, this is normally after June, Athar reviewed my application and the feedback was very positive too. This is when I first become vExpert.
I am passionate about teaching and mentoring people to teach VMwrae vSphere Install and Configure, I think this is the fundamental course, especially for those who are beginners or completely new to IT they get that basic understanding of what is virtualization to get them excited to learn it.
The YouTube Channel became my way to contribute back to the virtual community. I have mentees from the USA, Ghana, Europe, India, Japan and of course The UK. I have also set -up a virtual home lab to give access to people who are struggling to set-up on their own, as learning something is just not enough we need to do the practice to be able to understand it better.
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 VMware global events.
The VMware vExpert program is a great way to get recognised for your contribution to the VMware community. The vExpert badge is a sign of distinction and lets others know that you are an expert in VMware technology. Being a vExpert also gives you access to exclusive resources, such as private betas and early access to new products
Becoming a VMware vExpert is not an easy task, you need to contribute back to the community whether it’s blogging, tweeting, presenting or just being active on forums. You don’t have to be a VMware employee to become a vExpert, you just need to have the passion and willingness to help others.
The VMware vExpert program is one of the best programs out there, it’s free and gives you access to some amazing benefits such as private betas, exclusive content, discounts and more. If you want to become a VMware vExpert, start contributing back to the community and be active on social media.
The applications for vExpert 2022 are open if you wish to apply here is the link: https://vexpert.vmware.com/apply
There are a lot of benefits of becoming a vExpert, I have mentioned some here to lure you into applying,
vExpert Program Benefits
- Invite to our private #Slack channel
- vExpert certificate signed by VMware CEO.
- Private forums on communities.vmware.com.
- Permission to use the vExpert logo on cards, website, etc for one year
- Access to a private directory for networking, etc.
- 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)
- Blogger early access program for vSphere and some other products.
- 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.
My favourite perk out of all this is having a 1-year eval license for my home lab 🙂
If you are thinking about applying for the first time and if you need any help with your application, you can contact me or you can also reach out to any of the vExpert Pro’s for help. https://vexpert.vmware.com/directory/pro
I would like to say a big thank you to VMware for creating this amazing program and also to the community for supporting me along the way. I’m looking forward to continuing my journey as a vExpert.
– Ibrahim Quraishi, VMware vExpert
