vExpert: My 13-Year Career Game-Changer

If you're wondering whether the VMware vExpert program is worth your time, let me answer that with one word: absolutely.
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I’ve been part of the VMware community for over 13 years, and the vExpert program has been a cornerstone of my professional journey. From my early days at Advizex as a Solutions Architect to my current role as an Enterprise Architect at CDW, the connections, recognition, and resources provided by vExpert have played a major role in my growth.

From Upstate New York to Texas: A Journey Through VMUG Leadership

My community involvement started at the local level. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of co-leading multiple VMUG chapters, from Syracuse, Rochester, and Albany in New York, to now serving the Dallas-Fort Worth VMware community here in Texas.
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These local user groups have been a testing ground for ideas, a platform for peer learning, and a direct pipeline to VMware’s evolving ecosystem. They also became my entry point to vExpert, giving me opportunities to speak, organize, and collaborate with like-minded professionals.

Why I Became a vExpert, and Why You Should Too

I first applied for vExpert because I wanted to do more than just use VMware products; I wanted to share, teach, and connect. What I didn’t expect was how much the program would give back to me:

• A global network of peers and mentors
• Access to deep-dive briefings, betas, and product teams
• A platform to amplify my voice through speaking, writing, and webinars
• Recognition that opened doors internally and externally

If you're already active in your VMware community, through blogging, scripting, speaking, or even internal enablement, you may already be doing the work of a vExpert. You just haven’t applied yet.

Don’t let imposter syndrome hold you back, your real-world impact, no matter how small it feels, truly counts. Every blog post, shared script, or knowledge session adds value to the community.

Ready to Apply? Here's How to Start

Start by reading my full guide on What Is a VMware vExpert and How to Become One. I walk through the requirements, the types of contributions that qualify, and tips to help your application stand out.

Then head over to https://vexpert.vmware.com, create an account, and begin drafting your application for the 2025 Second Half (H2) award window.
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You don’t need to be a full-time blogger or YouTuber to qualify. VMware values real-world impact, whether that’s a script you shared with a coworker or a talk you gave at a VMUG.

Final Thoughts

The vExpert program isn’t just a badge, it’s a community. It’s a way to stay sharp, stay connected, and give back to the ecosystem that’s given us so much. I’m proud to be part of this family for 13 years and counting.
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Don’t just watch from the sidelines, apply today and join us.