We recently added new videos to our Certification Pros page, where VMware certification holders share their experience and advice. As many point out in their interviews, the community supporting VMware certifications is an important element of their success. We’re doing our part to strengthen the community by sharing knowledge and experiences through our Certification Stories series. Have your own story to share? See the note at the bottom and get in touch!
VMware Certified Design Experts (VCDXs) have reached the top echelon of VMware Certifications; to qualify they must successfully defend a complex virtualization design in front of a panel of judges. These judges are looking not only for an advanced understanding of the technology, but also a deep understanding of the business goals their design supports, along with the communication skills to convey their strategy.
Not surprisingly, the VMware Certified Design Experts we interviewed consistently noted that having those four important letters—VCDX—on their resume, gave their companies leverage with customers and allowed them to gain trust and reach goals more efficiently.
To the heart of the problem, faster
“It’s an instant recognition of skill,” says Matt Cowger, a global architect at EMC and VCDX #52. “There’s not a discussion anymore about whether I have the skills to accomplish what’s being asked for by the customer—it’s simply assumed.”
Mike Brown, a VMware Technical Marketing Manager for the vCloud Suite and VCDX #71, echoed that sentiment. “After getting my VCDX I found customers were open about problems they were having and allowed me to do my job better for them,” he says.
“Now, we get immediately to the heart of solving their problem,” notes Cowger.
He also found that having a VCDX helped get customers in the door. “Many of our customers specifically request a VCDX-level representative…to at least have signed off on the project,” he explains. “As a VCDX we’re expected to be at an architect level; that makes selling solutions to the customer significantly easier.”
More confidence, better solutions
Achieving the VCDX doesn’t just change the customer’s outlook; it also changes the experience of the certification holder. “It’s helped my confidence when I’m with customers and peers…whereas before I maybe used to doubt myself,” says Simon Long, senior architect at Canopy and VCDX #105. “I also think my attention to detail has improved.”
Josh Odgers, senior solutions and performance engineer at Nutanix, has also shifted his approach since becoming VCDX #90. “I’ve changed the way I architect solutions to ensure the customer gets the most benefit out of a solution and that it’s cost effective,” he explains.
That’s part of why hiring managers, as well as customers, are looking for certifications, and VMware’s are in high demand. “60 to70 percent of all servers worldwide are virtualized and 80 percent of those use VMware technology,” points out Eiad Al-Aqqad, VMware senior consultant with the Software-Defined Data Center practice and VCDX #89.
Although creating a VCDX application design and preparing for the defense requires time and dedication, everyone we interviewed saw the work they put in paid back several times over, whether in benefits to the customer, their company, their career, or all three. In our next Certification Stories post, we’ll share some of the specific ways these VCDXs prepared.
What’s your certification story? We’d love to feature it on this blog. Contact [email protected] and help strengthen the community by sharing your experiences and insights. We are especially eager to hear about VMware Certified Associates!
