TL;DR: The one thing I get contacted about the most (by far!), is being a Google Developer Expert (GDE) and how to become one. In this article, I'll try and resolve some of the mystery around the program, it's benefits, and how I prepared for my application.
Let me just preamble this by saying: this is just my personal experience - please don't come for me if things don't work out, things have changed or you had a different process, the requirements and openings are not the same every year, for every category or region.
Now that we got that out of the way, lets start at the beginning.
What is the Google Developers Program?
The GDE is a global network of over 1,000 people who are experts in Google Technologies. There are a variety of fields and categories including Android, Web, Cloud, AI / ML and so much more. These categories sometimes shift, depending on the most recent developments in the tech industry. GDE's are not part of Google directly, nor affiliated with the company. They are passionate about working with Google Technologies, sharing their knowledge and supporting their communities - and that's what the essence of the program is about.
What are the benefits of being part of the GDE programm?
There are many 'obvious' benefits like to opportunity to attend events, learn about new Google products early and maybe even provide feedback, speaking opportunity and sometimes supported travel.
But to me, the biggest benefit are the people you get to meet through the program. There are so many amazing, knowledgable people in the program, and every single time was able to attend an event I made new friends and connections I still carry in my heart.
Who can apply?
As base criteria for the application, Google lists a solid expertise in at least one Google Technology and significant contributions to the developer community. This could be in form of public speaking, giving talks at tech conferences, writing articles, mentoring other developers or creating video content. The emphasis here is on the motivation to share knowledge, involvement in the community and passion about Google Technologies.
How can you apply?
In order to apply, you need a referral by either a Google employee or a current GDE. With them, you can discuss your eligibility and further steps in the application process. This evokes a bit of the mystery around the program for sure, but if you are involved in tech communities, attend a Google event in your city or virtually or connect with folks on social media, you might already be in touch with GDEs.
Becoming a GDE | My personal Journey
I've been a GDE in the Web Technologies category for almost two years now. I was lucky in a sense that by the time I applied, I had already been a Developer Relations Engineer for a while - it was my day job to create content and speak publicly, which helped me a lot with my application.
A few of my colleagues at the time where already GDEs, and they helped me with my application, mentored me and ended up referring me for the process. They also encouraged me to keep track of all my community contributions, including the reach they had had, to make sure I could make my case for the application.
Once I had collected it all, I started the application and - the hardest part - waited for a reply.
To be honest, impostor syndrome had me fully convinced that I should be so lucky to even get an interview, let alone be considered for the program, but after a few rounds of talking to different people, I got accepted - I was completely over the moon.
The interviews itself were more informal than I had anticipated - but again, this may vary from person to person. I had video calls with different Google employees, and we had a chat about my work, the program general, what I was hoping to get out of it and how I was planning to continue my contributions. We also chatted a lot about Web Performance and Web Accessibility, as I applied for the Web category and Accessibility is my area of expertise.
Especially since I entered the tech industry as a second career and have no formal education related to software development, the acknowledgement of becoming a GDE meant the world to me. It's a great privilege & opportunity to be part of this group - and I'm really grateful for it.
You've become a GDE, what now?
First of all, congratulation! That's a massive accomplishment! Next, you will be onboarded, you will have the chance to join calls for your category and region, meet fellow GDEs, learn about speaking and other contribution opportunities.
For me, it's been a wild ride since joining the program. I've met some truly amazing people, was able to attend a few amazing events and continue learning so much more, every day. I'm really grateful for being part of the program, and I hope, this will maybe help you or encourage you a little but to start your own application process.
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