I am now a Google Developer Expert!

After a few years learning the ever-growing Google Cloud services and best practices, I received an email saying I was accepted into the Google Developer Expert program! That’s a good way to inflate a developer ego, but at the same time, an opportunity to challenge what I really know. This is where imposter syndrome starts to kick in.

The Google Cloud landscape is huge, and it’s impossible to know everything. The more you read, the more you realize you don’t know half of it.

I always try to stick to a specific GCP service, in my case, GKE, so the knowledge gap reduces a bit.

If you want to know how I got here? The answer is simple: being insistent and relentless.

It’s not about how much you know, but about not giving up when you find out you don’t know a lot. And finding your ways to overcome your anxiety about possibly never getting there, ever.

This is also about sharing, being an active member of the community, spreading the word of Google technology — and being well-recognized for it.

But becoming a GDE isn’t the finish line, it’s more like a starting point for a new, exciting chapter. Now, the real work begins: deepening my expertise, contributing even more to the community, and helping others navigate the complexities of Google Cloud.

So, what does it mean to be a GDE, really?

It’s not just a fancy title. It’s a responsibility. It’s about:

• Sharing Knowledge: I’m committed to creating content, giving talks, and running workshops to help others learn and grow. Whether it’s writing blog posts, contributing to open-source projects, or answering questions on forums, I want to make Google Cloud more accessible.
• Building Community: I want to foster a supportive and inclusive community where developers can connect, collaborate, and learn from each other. This means participating in meetups, conferences, and online discussions.
• Providing Feedback: I’ll be working closely with Google to provide feedback on their products and services, helping to shape the future of Google Cloud.
• Staying Up-to-Date: The cloud landscape is constantly evolving, so I’m committed to continuous learning and staying ahead of the curve.

What’s next?

My immediate focus is on continuing to dive deeper into GKE and exploring the surrounding ecosystem. I want to share my knowledge through more detailed tutorials, practical examples, and real-world use cases. I also plan to explore other Google Cloud services, such as Cloud Run, Security Command Center, Vertex AI, etc.

I’m incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, and I’m grateful for the support of the Google Developer Expert program and the community. I encourage anyone who is passionate about Google Cloud to get involved, share their knowledge, and connect with others. Remember, it’s not about knowing everything, it’s about being willing to learn and grow.

A few tips for aspiring GDEs:

• Find your passion: Focus on an area of Google Cloud that you’re genuinely interested in.
• Share your knowledge: Start blogging, speaking at meetups, or contributing to open-source projects.
• Build your network: Connect with other developers and experts in the community.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help: Everyone starts somewhere.
• Be consistent and persistent: It takes time and effort to become a GDE.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I look forward to sharing my experiences and learning from all of you.