Advisory Boards I Serve On
Advisory Boards I Serve On
BCS
(The British Computer Society (BCS), also known as BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT)
We’re over 70,000 members in 150 countries, and a wider community of business leaders, educators, practitioners and policy-makers all committed to our mission.
As a charity with a royal charter, our agenda is to lead the IT industry through its ethical challenges, to support the people who work in the industry, and to make IT good for society.
At BCS, we’re ensuring the digital journey is safe and positive for everyone, by raising standards of competence and conduct across the IT industry and tackling the ethical challenges we face along the way.
Everything we do at BCS is built on our four strategic pillars, which make it possible for us to raise standards and realise greater potential in the technology industry.
https://www.bcs.org/about-us/
Microsoft MVP Program
The Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) award is a prestigious recognition given by Microsoft to individuals who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise and a commitment to sharing their knowledge with the community.
This program has evolved significantly since its inception, reflecting changes in technology and community engagement.
Origin of the MVP Program
The MVP program originated from the software developer community, particularly through active participation in online forums such as Usenet and CompuServe. One notable early contributor was Calvin Hsia, who created “Calvin’s List,” which tracked contributions in the CompuServe FoxPro forum. This initiative helped Microsoft identify high contributors, leading to the establishment of the MVP program.
Criteria for Earning the MVP Award
While there are no strict guidelines for earning the MVP award, Microsoft primarily considers the impact of an individual’s contributions over the past year. This can include various forms of engagement such as writing blog posts, speaking at conferences, participating in forums, or contributing to open-source projects. The key factor is how these activities benefit and influence the broader technology community.
https://mvp.microsoft.com/en-US/mvp/overview
Microsoft MCT Program
The Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Regional Lead program is designed to enhance the MCT community by providing leadership and support to local MCTs. The role of an MCT Regional Lead (RL) involves facilitating connections within the community and serving as a liaison between Microsoft and the MCTs.
This position is crucial for fostering collaboration, sharing resources, and ensuring that trainers are well-informed about updates and opportunities within the Microsoft ecosystem.
Requirements to Become an MCT Regional Lead
To be eligible for nomination as an MCT Regional Lead, candidates must meet specific criteria:
- Active Membership: Candidates must be active Microsoft Certified Trainers for at least two years.
- Certification Qualifications: They should hold two or more certifications that are eligible under the MCT program.
- Community Involvement: Candidates must demonstrate involvement in the MCT community, showcasing their commitment to supporting fellow trainers.
These requirements ensure that only qualified individuals who have a proven track record in both training and community engagement can take on this leadership role.
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/
CompTIA SME Program
Overview of the CompTIA SME Program
The CompTIA Subject Matter Expert (SME) program is designed to engage professionals with significant expertise in various IT fields to contribute to the development and maintenance of CompTIA certification exams. The program relies on the knowledge and experience of these SMEs to ensure that the exam content remains relevant, accurate, and reflective of current industry standards.
Role of Subject Matter Experts
SMEs play a crucial role in the exam development process. They are responsible for providing insights into job roles, technologies, skills, and best practices that are essential for IT professionals. Their contributions help shape the content of exams such as CompTIA A+, Security+, Network+, and others. SMEs participate in workshops where they engage in activities like Job Task Analysis, Objective Development, Item Writing, Item Review, and Cut Score workshops.
Requirements for Becoming an SME
To become a CompTIA SME, candidates must meet specific criteria set by CompTIA’s internal review board. This includes having relevant expertise in their field and being able to demonstrate their knowledge through participation in workshops. Once approved, SMEs are expected to attend at least one workshop every three years to maintain their status.
https://www.comptia.org/certifications/become-a-subject-matter-expert
CompTIA Network of Experts – Ambassador (NoE-A)
The CompTIA Network of Experts – Ambassador (NoE-A) program is designed to engage and empower individuals who have a deep understanding of technology and its applications in the IT industry. This initiative aims to create a community of thought leaders who can contribute their expertise to enhance the skills and knowledge of others in the field.
Purpose and Goals
The primary purpose of the NoE-A program is to build a network of experts who can provide guidance, mentorship, and support to aspiring IT professionals.
Ambassadors are expected to share their insights on various topics related to technology, certifications, and career development. They play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce by informing learning content that helps individuals thrive in tech jobs.
Roles and Responsibilities
Ambassadors within the NoE-A program have several key responsibilities:
Mentorship: They mentor students and professionals seeking guidance in their tech careers, helping them navigate challenges and opportunities within the industry.
Content Development: Ambassadors contribute to the development of educational materials and resources that align with current industry standards and practices. Their input ensures that training programs remain relevant and effective.
Community Engagement: They actively participate in community events, workshops, and discussions aimed at promoting knowledge sharing among IT professionals. This engagement fosters collaboration and networking opportunities.
Feedback Provision: Ambassadors provide valuable feedback on CompTIA products, certifications, and training programs, helping to identify areas for improvement before general release.
Advocacy: They advocate for diversity within the tech industry by encouraging underrepresented groups to pursue careers in technology.
Eligibility Criteria
To become an ambassador in the NoE-A program, candidates must possess significant experience with applicable technologies and tools relevant to their area of expertise. While it is preferred for ambassadors to hold CompTIA certifications, it is not a strict requirement. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to sharing knowledge and supporting others in their professional journeys.
In summary, the CompTIA Network of Experts – Ambassador program serves as a vital resource for fostering talent within the IT sector by leveraging experienced professionals’ insights and experiences.
https://www.credly.com/badges/33926281-1801-413d-aa43-0bb86cde96f3
CompTIA Network of Experts – Contributor (NoE-C)
The CompTIA Network of Experts – Contributor (NoE-C) program is designed to engage industry professionals who possess deep knowledge and expertise in networking and related technologies.
This program allows contributors to play a vital role in shaping the future of CompTIA certifications and products, ensuring that they remain relevant and effective in preparing individuals for careers in IT.
Roles and Responsibilities
Contributors to the NoE-C program are expected to provide strategic direction for CompTIA certifications and products.
They work collaboratively with peers and CompTIA staff to develop, maintain, and revise certification exam content that reflects current technologies, skills, and best practices used by IT professionals. This includes:
Guidance on Certification Adoption: Contributors advise on how to drive the adoption of certifications within the industry, helping ensure a qualified global workforce.
Content Development: They assist in creating learning content based on their technical expertise, which is crucial for training future IT professionals.
Testing Products: Contributors also participate in testing CompTIA products and certification exams before their general release, identifying any issues that need addressing.
Training Support: Providing training and support to students enrolled in CompTIA’s learning courses is another key responsibility.
Knowledge Sharing: Contributors share their experiences and insights about working in technology through various formats, including written articles or video content.
Eligibility Requirements
To become a contributor in the NoE-C program, candidates must meet specific requirements:
- Experience with applicable technology and tools relevant to the workshop requirements.
- While it is preferred that candidates hold CompTIA certifications, it is not mandatory.
- Individuals who may profit from knowledge of CompTIA credential content are not eligible.
This ensures that contributors have a genuine interest in advancing the field without any conflicts of interest.
Impact on the IT Workforce
By participating in this program, contributors help establish standards within the IT industry. Their involvement ensures that CompTIA’s offerings align with real-world needs, thus enhancing the employability of individuals seeking careers in technology. The NoE-C program ultimately aims to strengthen the IT workforce by leveraging expert insights into curriculum development and certification processes.
In summary, the NoE-C program serves as a platform for knowledgeable professionals to contribute meaningfully to the evolution of IT education and certification standards while fostering a skilled workforce ready to tackle modern technological challenges.
https://www.credly.com/badges/dc6c53ba-37a5-4815-b7cd-232149b3ee7b