In this article, I wanted to share some thoughts and learnings on my professional journey of becoming a Google Developer Expert (GDE) and also information about how to become one, the benefits it has, its selection criteria and what are the responsibilities once you become one!
The Google Developers Experts (GDE) program is a
global network of highly experienced technology experts, influencers, and
thought leaders who have expertise in Google technologies. GDEs are active
leaders, natural mentors, and contributors to the wider developer and
startup ecosystem.
They are individuals who don't work at Google, but are
recognized for their expertise and involvement in Google technologies, and
their support for developers, companies, and tech communities. Today,
nearly a thousand experts represent Google technologies all
around the world!
Becoming a Google Developer Expert
Small Tip: Don't aim to become a GDE, let it
come to you!
I started with Flutter almost 3 years ago and the main thing
that helped me become a GDE was persistency, practice, and willingness
to share knowledge.
Initially I struggled a lot because at that time there was
no proper content available to help me learn. The only source was documentation
and a few YouTubers who had started creating Flutter content. Even
the community was not that much active at that time, so it became really
difficult to learn things. However, I kept on learning and practicing by
creating different apps, learning about different packages, and so on. Soon I
started attending Flutter events and then started speaking in them!
The Google Development Expert selection criteria
The main criteria considered is that you should enjoy
and consistently share knowledge. Being an expert and having
knowledge in something is great, but the ability and willingness to
share it is the best thing, plus it is required for becoming a GDE!
Here are some things that are highly valued by the GDE program:
- You
should have a good experience of the technology in order
to answer questions.
- You
should have given at least 1 talk (of course, the more,
the merrier)
- You
should have written articles
- Created videos/podcasts
- You
should have a good open-source contribution history!
When I started my Flutter journey, I was not sure about what
to share and how to do it because most of the content or the topic that I was
thinking of, already had great resources to refer to.
But, every person has a different perspective to see things
and share them. So no matter what, start sharing your knowledge in whatever
form you feel comfortable with!
What is like being a GDE
Becoming a GDE or getting a tag of an expert can definitely
be overwhelming! But this is something that gives you a boost of confidence and
also your career. You can say that it is a tag given by Google to the most
elite and expert people in the industry for a specific technology. It can
sometimes be intimidating, but adventurous too!
The process of becoming a Google Development Expert
So what exactly is the process of becoming a GDE? 🤔
As there is no form or a portal where you can apply to
become a GDE, one can only become a GDE when an existing GDE checks their work
and refers them to the Google team. Once the candidate is referred, the process
is divided into 3 rounds:
- Eligibility
Round
- Community
Interview
- Product
Interview
In the Eligibility Round, the Google team
verifies all the contributions that you have done. This usually takes a longer
time as they verify the contributions properly. Once you qualify for the
Eligibility Round, you get a mail for the second round.
The Community Round is taken by an active
GDE of your category. This round is mainly focused on Community contributions.
However, some technical questions are also asked to get to know your knowledge.
Last round is Product Interview. This round is
taken by anyone from the Google team. This round is mainly focussed on
technical knowledge, way of communication and overall things. In this last
interview, if you are selected, you get the congratulations mail! As being a
GDE means belonging to a group of selected people, you have to sign an NDA and
do some legal paperwork with Google.
The entire process is really enjoyable because you get to
meet some GDEs in the end also some Google employees! If during the process you
face any issues, you are always free to reach out to any active GDEs, and they
will definitely give you tips and advices!
Benefits of being a Google Development Expert
It's kind of obvious, but just the tag of being GDE is a
benefit. When you become a GDE, you get to work with big referents in the
Community and can also access a platform to share your knowledge globally and
make a great impact on the life of developers.
Some main benefits are:
- The recognition
of being an expert.
- Access
to a large community of experts around the world.
- Having
dedicated contacts at Google.
- Event
opportunities to speak, mentor, or judge.
- Access
to Google groups.
Keep in mind
Becoming a GDE is not just achieving a trophy or something.
As said, with great power, comes great responsibilities!
Once you’ve become a GDE, you are responsible to continue spreading knowledge.
You normally get lots of messages for
solving doubts, and you need to stay active for it. It’s
important to keep on doing what you were doing before becoming a GDE, just at a
much broader level. You will also be part of many Google Groups,
and your insights and suggestions will always be valuable and welcomed!
Once you become a GDE for a specific category, you will have
to keep on gaining knowledge and improving skills because you
never know what questions you might have to face from the audience. You become a
spotlight of the community and an inspiration of many!
You also get the chance to become a mentor in many Google
events like Buddy Program where you mentor GDSC
Leads.
I am currently the youngest GDE, and this
inspires lots of folks who are part of the GDSC Club and aspire to become a leader!
Thanks for reading this! I really hope I could help someone with my thoughts! Keep on doing what you love to do. Keep on sharing knowledge and helping people. Eventually, GDE will come to you 😃