Following my VCDX certification I was asked by Gregg AKA TheSaffaGeek to answer some questions for his blog.
How did you get into using VMware?
I started back in 2009 when my previous employer started a large datacentre consolidation project. I quickly did my VCP to ensure I was the main resource on the project.
What made you decide to do the VCDX?
I really wanted to further my knowledge after doing the VCAPs. What I liked about the VCDX program is it makes you stronger in so many different technology areas.
How long did it take you to complete the whole VCDX journey?
About 13 months once I had passed the VCAP’s.
What advice would you give to people thinking of pursuing the VCDX accreditation?
Try and enjoy the whole experience, especially the defence. When you stand in front of that panel it is an amazing feeling thinking about where you were when you started the journey and where you are now.
We always find excuses not to do things, for instance, my current employer has strict polices preventing us from emailing stuff out of the bank which meant I had to recreate all of the design documentation at home as well as fund the entire process myself, but this was important so I did not let any of that get in the way.
If your excuse is “you’re too busy” consider this… my mentor has three children all under the age of 6 but still woke up at 5am twice a week (due to the time difference) once my defence was accepted to help get me ready. He did all this while working on his own second VCDX certification and working full time for VMware… If he found the time we all can 🙂
If you could do the whole VCDX journey again what would you do differently?
For someone not from a consulting background I should’ve practiced the design scenarios a little earlier on in the process.
Life after the VCDX? How did your company respond? Was it worth it?
This has been one of the best experiences in my career and I am really grateful to the VCDX program and community. After a short break I am very much looking forward to completing the VCDX-NV track and helping others archive their numbers.
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