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What is a “subject matter expert�
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I came across this on the USAJOBS site, and mostly I'm curious, because it sounds like a fairly open-ended term to include on their "profile".
The ordering of the options on the site makes it unclear if this is a good thing to list yourself as or not, since it's right after High School Student. So I suppose there's really two questions here:
What do they mean by "Subject Matter Expert"?
career-development applications education
edited Dec 16 '12 at 2:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 15 '12 at 20:10
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
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show 1 more comment
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
I came across this on the USAJOBS site, and mostly I'm curious, because it sounds like a fairly open-ended term to include on their "profile".
The ordering of the options on the site makes it unclear if this is a good thing to list yourself as or not, since it's right after High School Student. So I suppose there's really two questions here:
What do they mean by "Subject Matter Expert"?
career-development applications education
edited Dec 16 '12 at 2:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 15 '12 at 20:10
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
2
The only people with the authority to answer are the subject matter experts on USAJOBS. It is their terminology, after all.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:15
Come on, SOMEONE thought it was a good idea to include on the thing... it has to mean something that's easily understood!
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 15 '12 at 20:19
1
Well, that someone would be at USAJOBS. I do think it is a highly subjective term and people as disparate as real experts (say Stephen Hawking) to self assured teens could select this option. But as to what is meant by it on USAJOBS - only they can tell you.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:24
1
Wikipedia has a definition of "Subject Matter Expert" as relates to the software industry. As an example, I employ developers who are Subject Matter Experts in a particular scientific and technical field. They all have a degree in that field, and some are eductated to MSc and PhD level.
– GuyM
Dec 15 '12 at 21:39
1
An Subject Matter Expert or SME is someone who is an expert in a particular subject matter. Generally speaking you'll see SME with a qualifier or within a context such as a programming language, application, system or process. Although many SMEs have higher/advanced degrees it is not necessary to be an SME in a given area.
– Steve
Dec 16 '12 at 16:41
 |Â
show 1 more comment
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
up vote
10
down vote
favorite
I came across this on the USAJOBS site, and mostly I'm curious, because it sounds like a fairly open-ended term to include on their "profile".
The ordering of the options on the site makes it unclear if this is a good thing to list yourself as or not, since it's right after High School Student. So I suppose there's really two questions here:
What do they mean by "Subject Matter Expert"?
career-development applications education
edited Dec 16 '12 at 2:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 15 '12 at 20:10
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
I came across this on the USAJOBS site, and mostly I'm curious, because it sounds like a fairly open-ended term to include on their "profile".
The ordering of the options on the site makes it unclear if this is a good thing to list yourself as or not, since it's right after High School Student. So I suppose there's really two questions here:
What do they mean by "Subject Matter Expert"?
career-development applications education
edited Dec 16 '12 at 2:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 15 '12 at 20:10
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
edited Dec 16 '12 at 2:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
edited Dec 16 '12 at 2:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
edited Dec 16 '12 at 2:06
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
43.9k1398188
asked Dec 15 '12 at 20:10
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
asked Dec 15 '12 at 20:10
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
asked Dec 15 '12 at 20:10
Rachel Keslensky
1,14321020
1,14321020
2
The only people with the authority to answer are the subject matter experts on USAJOBS. It is their terminology, after all.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:15
Come on, SOMEONE thought it was a good idea to include on the thing... it has to mean something that's easily understood!
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 15 '12 at 20:19
1
Well, that someone would be at USAJOBS. I do think it is a highly subjective term and people as disparate as real experts (say Stephen Hawking) to self assured teens could select this option. But as to what is meant by it on USAJOBS - only they can tell you.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:24
1
Wikipedia has a definition of "Subject Matter Expert" as relates to the software industry. As an example, I employ developers who are Subject Matter Experts in a particular scientific and technical field. They all have a degree in that field, and some are eductated to MSc and PhD level.
– GuyM
Dec 15 '12 at 21:39
1
An Subject Matter Expert or SME is someone who is an expert in a particular subject matter. Generally speaking you'll see SME with a qualifier or within a context such as a programming language, application, system or process. Although many SMEs have higher/advanced degrees it is not necessary to be an SME in a given area.
– Steve
Dec 16 '12 at 16:41
 |Â
show 1 more comment
2
The only people with the authority to answer are the subject matter experts on USAJOBS. It is their terminology, after all.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:15
Come on, SOMEONE thought it was a good idea to include on the thing... it has to mean something that's easily understood!
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 15 '12 at 20:19
1
Well, that someone would be at USAJOBS. I do think it is a highly subjective term and people as disparate as real experts (say Stephen Hawking) to self assured teens could select this option. But as to what is meant by it on USAJOBS - only they can tell you.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:24
1
Wikipedia has a definition of "Subject Matter Expert" as relates to the software industry. As an example, I employ developers who are Subject Matter Experts in a particular scientific and technical field. They all have a degree in that field, and some are eductated to MSc and PhD level.
– GuyM
Dec 15 '12 at 21:39
1
An Subject Matter Expert or SME is someone who is an expert in a particular subject matter. Generally speaking you'll see SME with a qualifier or within a context such as a programming language, application, system or process. Although many SMEs have higher/advanced degrees it is not necessary to be an SME in a given area.
– Steve
Dec 16 '12 at 16:41
2
2
The only people with the authority to answer are the subject matter experts on USAJOBS. It is their terminology, after all.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:15
The only people with the authority to answer are the subject matter experts on USAJOBS. It is their terminology, after all.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:15
Come on, SOMEONE thought it was a good idea to include on the thing... it has to mean something that's easily understood!
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 15 '12 at 20:19
Come on, SOMEONE thought it was a good idea to include on the thing... it has to mean something that's easily understood!
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 15 '12 at 20:19
1
1
Well, that someone would be at USAJOBS. I do think it is a highly subjective term and people as disparate as real experts (say Stephen Hawking) to self assured teens could select this option. But as to what is meant by it on USAJOBS - only they can tell you.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:24
Well, that someone would be at USAJOBS. I do think it is a highly subjective term and people as disparate as real experts (say Stephen Hawking) to self assured teens could select this option. But as to what is meant by it on USAJOBS - only they can tell you.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:24
1
1
Wikipedia has a definition of "Subject Matter Expert" as relates to the software industry. As an example, I employ developers who are Subject Matter Experts in a particular scientific and technical field. They all have a degree in that field, and some are eductated to MSc and PhD level.
– GuyM
Dec 15 '12 at 21:39
Wikipedia has a definition of "Subject Matter Expert" as relates to the software industry. As an example, I employ developers who are Subject Matter Experts in a particular scientific and technical field. They all have a degree in that field, and some are eductated to MSc and PhD level.
– GuyM
Dec 15 '12 at 21:39
1
1
An Subject Matter Expert or SME is someone who is an expert in a particular subject matter. Generally speaking you'll see SME with a qualifier or within a context such as a programming language, application, system or process. Although many SMEs have higher/advanced degrees it is not necessary to be an SME in a given area.
– Steve
Dec 16 '12 at 16:41
An Subject Matter Expert or SME is someone who is an expert in a particular subject matter. Generally speaking you'll see SME with a qualifier or within a context such as a programming language, application, system or process. Although many SMEs have higher/advanced degrees it is not necessary to be an SME in a given area.
– Steve
Dec 16 '12 at 16:41
 |Â
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5 Answers
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As I understand the term it is usually used to describe someone who has an organisational role (developer, sales and marketing, line manager) which is itself a professional career, and a second area of expertise that is relevant to the industry they are in.
For example, someone selling Human Resources Software may be a software sales person, or a sales person who is also a Subject Matter Expert in HR, based (usually) on having professional experience within a given domain.
It's usually associated with the development of "expert systems" - that is to say system that apply for professionals with a given expertise, or are designed to replicate some of the knowledge that experts have.
I have a number of Subject Matter Experts in my team, in sales, development and support. For example, I have developers educated to BSc, MSc and PhD level in the particular technical/scientific field that we operate in, integrated with (and learning from) software engineers, and support/training staff who have 20+ years of experience in the main industry we support.
EDIT: I would expect an Subject Matter Expert to be an expert associated with software development, training, support, sales or marketing, who would have no difficulty in gaining mid- to senior- tier employment in their area of expert knowledge.
answered Dec 15 '12 at 22:47
GuyM
8,4332743
1
Great answer GuyM!. +1. The only thing I'd really add is that one should really only call him/herself a SME if he/she has written books on a subject, created a business from the ground up, or give talks/educates others on the subject. In short, I don't think I'd call myself an SME, even though I have a lot of development and business experience.
– jmort253♦
Dec 16 '12 at 1:01
1
@jmort253 - if you extend your definition to include "publishes peer reviewed papers on the subject" then you'd have everyone in my team I consider to be an SME covered (!)
– GuyM
Dec 16 '12 at 1:26
Companies often use this term to describe someone who has reached the highest job level for an individual achiever, ie at the high end of the professional scale but no direct reports.
– JAGAnalyst
Dec 20 '12 at 22:47
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
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The USAJOBS interface has done themselves no favors by implementing the drop-down menu shown in the way that they have. It is confusing, in that "Student (High School)" is shoved in there near the end, when the rest of the drop-down items generally follow a career path. In that path, "Student (High School)" should be first in the list, instead of what appears to be a momentary/singular attempt to alphabetize the list.
The Wikipedia entry for Subject-matter Expert, or SME, gives an appropriate general description, which is a similarly appropriate starting point in answering the question posed here: "a person who is an expert in a particular area or topic". As other people here have answered, the definition of SME in their own organizations can differ as to the specific qualifications that need to be held in order to be granted the "title" of SME, so let's turn to the US Office of Personnel Management's glossary definition of "Subject Matter Expert":
An individual within a department or agency who is thoroughly familiar
with a given topic and can provide expert input as to the appealing
aspects of a job and the skills and other qualities required of a job
applicant.
In the US Government hiring in particular -- and in other large organizations that have many levels of positions and require specific expertise -- "subject matter expert" is a sort of level of position much like we often hear "entry level" or "junior" or "senior". And, much like those levels, there's room for interpretation. Someone who holds a PhD may be well on their way to being a SME, but so might a person who has worked their way through the ranks for years, regardless of degree, who is in some way known for their good work, often externally.
Again looking at the US Office of Personnel Management's words on the subject, but again recognizing that this information is applicable elsewhere, here is an example of how SME's are used within the organization for use in job analyses for other possible position openings (SMEs are also used as stakeholders in projects, and just about anything else that you could imagine someone with a lot of information and knowledge could be used for within an organization, besides their own actual tasks; SMEs are often called in as participants in other projects besides their own):
The term subject matter expert (SME) is properly applied to anyone who
has direct, up-to-date experience of a job and is familiar with all of
its tasks. The person might currently hold the job or supervise the
job. SMEs must provide accurate information and effectively
communicate their ideas. SMEs should rate the job tasks and
competencies for importance to successful job performance.
So, while in general use the term "Subject Matter Expert" can simply mean "the best person to judge specifics about something for which they have expertise" -- meaning, you could be the subject matter expert about cleaning the office refrigerator. In the context of labeling yourself a SME on a job application for the government or otherwise, it means you'd be easily recognizable as the top of the class, the cream of the crop, or another metaphor signifying that not only would you be able to walk in and be the expert on the topic (if that's what the job was looking for), you'd be able to judge the qualifications of others (if sitting on a hiring committee for which your domain expertise was valuable), and offer expert testimony, as Tanguerena mentions in this answer.
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Dec 16 '12 at 14:24
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
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I would define a SME, in that context, as a technical or service professional with a good amount of experience but that does not have a managerial role or aspiration. This is the type of person that will minimal training in there field of field to get up to speed and contribute in a meaningful way in a new position. I would not expect this person to necessarily be an Expert on all aspects but rather someone that would know what they were talking about and could come up with solutions for the difficult questions.
Generally I would expect a person to have a minimum of 3 years of experience in their field though 20 years fits in just as well. They should be able to talk easily about the concepts and common issues faced. They should know how to get answers to to questions they do not know and have some contacts that can help them solve even the most difficult problems. If you do not then would classify you as entry level. If you have a junior management role like Team Lead, assistant manager, etc that is what I would classify as a mid career professional.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 2:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
I think your first sentence is very typical of SMEs I've met or interacted with.
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:55
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1
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Generally, a "subject matter expert" is someone who knows the subject well enough to be writing books and teaching others. Many times, interviewers and recruiters ask you to rate your expertise on a scale of 1 to 10 - an SME would be a 10. Because USAJOBS is a US Federal Government jobs portal, I suspect that they're also looking for people who could satisfy the "expert witness" requirement in a Daubert hearing.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 1:55
Tangurena
5,0401936
1
I disagree with this. I think many companies use SME as much more of a "local" SME rather than "global."
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:56
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Judging from the types of titles on the list before it, I would say all formal levels are already covered. Thus, Subject Matter Expert has a little bit of an "Experienced, but no formal education" or "Self-educated" ring to it. That is, you are skilled in the subject, but may not possess a degree in it. Or perhaps you are without prior actual work experience, but still far more than "Entry Level" in the subject.
answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:49
Juha Untinen
1,5261018
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5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
5 Answers
5
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
10
down vote
accepted
As I understand the term it is usually used to describe someone who has an organisational role (developer, sales and marketing, line manager) which is itself a professional career, and a second area of expertise that is relevant to the industry they are in.
For example, someone selling Human Resources Software may be a software sales person, or a sales person who is also a Subject Matter Expert in HR, based (usually) on having professional experience within a given domain.
It's usually associated with the development of "expert systems" - that is to say system that apply for professionals with a given expertise, or are designed to replicate some of the knowledge that experts have.
I have a number of Subject Matter Experts in my team, in sales, development and support. For example, I have developers educated to BSc, MSc and PhD level in the particular technical/scientific field that we operate in, integrated with (and learning from) software engineers, and support/training staff who have 20+ years of experience in the main industry we support.
EDIT: I would expect an Subject Matter Expert to be an expert associated with software development, training, support, sales or marketing, who would have no difficulty in gaining mid- to senior- tier employment in their area of expert knowledge.
answered Dec 15 '12 at 22:47
GuyM
8,4332743
1
Great answer GuyM!. +1. The only thing I'd really add is that one should really only call him/herself a SME if he/she has written books on a subject, created a business from the ground up, or give talks/educates others on the subject. In short, I don't think I'd call myself an SME, even though I have a lot of development and business experience.
– jmort253♦
Dec 16 '12 at 1:01
1
@jmort253 - if you extend your definition to include "publishes peer reviewed papers on the subject" then you'd have everyone in my team I consider to be an SME covered (!)
– GuyM
Dec 16 '12 at 1:26
Companies often use this term to describe someone who has reached the highest job level for an individual achiever, ie at the high end of the professional scale but no direct reports.
– JAGAnalyst
Dec 20 '12 at 22:47
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
accepted
As I understand the term it is usually used to describe someone who has an organisational role (developer, sales and marketing, line manager) which is itself a professional career, and a second area of expertise that is relevant to the industry they are in.
For example, someone selling Human Resources Software may be a software sales person, or a sales person who is also a Subject Matter Expert in HR, based (usually) on having professional experience within a given domain.
It's usually associated with the development of "expert systems" - that is to say system that apply for professionals with a given expertise, or are designed to replicate some of the knowledge that experts have.
I have a number of Subject Matter Experts in my team, in sales, development and support. For example, I have developers educated to BSc, MSc and PhD level in the particular technical/scientific field that we operate in, integrated with (and learning from) software engineers, and support/training staff who have 20+ years of experience in the main industry we support.
EDIT: I would expect an Subject Matter Expert to be an expert associated with software development, training, support, sales or marketing, who would have no difficulty in gaining mid- to senior- tier employment in their area of expert knowledge.
answered Dec 15 '12 at 22:47
GuyM
8,4332743
1
Great answer GuyM!. +1. The only thing I'd really add is that one should really only call him/herself a SME if he/she has written books on a subject, created a business from the ground up, or give talks/educates others on the subject. In short, I don't think I'd call myself an SME, even though I have a lot of development and business experience.
– jmort253♦
Dec 16 '12 at 1:01
1
@jmort253 - if you extend your definition to include "publishes peer reviewed papers on the subject" then you'd have everyone in my team I consider to be an SME covered (!)
– GuyM
Dec 16 '12 at 1:26
Companies often use this term to describe someone who has reached the highest job level for an individual achiever, ie at the high end of the professional scale but no direct reports.
– JAGAnalyst
Dec 20 '12 at 22:47
add a comment |Â
up vote
10
down vote
accepted
up vote
10
down vote
accepted
As I understand the term it is usually used to describe someone who has an organisational role (developer, sales and marketing, line manager) which is itself a professional career, and a second area of expertise that is relevant to the industry they are in.
For example, someone selling Human Resources Software may be a software sales person, or a sales person who is also a Subject Matter Expert in HR, based (usually) on having professional experience within a given domain.
It's usually associated with the development of "expert systems" - that is to say system that apply for professionals with a given expertise, or are designed to replicate some of the knowledge that experts have.
I have a number of Subject Matter Experts in my team, in sales, development and support. For example, I have developers educated to BSc, MSc and PhD level in the particular technical/scientific field that we operate in, integrated with (and learning from) software engineers, and support/training staff who have 20+ years of experience in the main industry we support.
EDIT: I would expect an Subject Matter Expert to be an expert associated with software development, training, support, sales or marketing, who would have no difficulty in gaining mid- to senior- tier employment in their area of expert knowledge.
answered Dec 15 '12 at 22:47
GuyM
8,4332743
As I understand the term it is usually used to describe someone who has an organisational role (developer, sales and marketing, line manager) which is itself a professional career, and a second area of expertise that is relevant to the industry they are in.
For example, someone selling Human Resources Software may be a software sales person, or a sales person who is also a Subject Matter Expert in HR, based (usually) on having professional experience within a given domain.
It's usually associated with the development of "expert systems" - that is to say system that apply for professionals with a given expertise, or are designed to replicate some of the knowledge that experts have.
I have a number of Subject Matter Experts in my team, in sales, development and support. For example, I have developers educated to BSc, MSc and PhD level in the particular technical/scientific field that we operate in, integrated with (and learning from) software engineers, and support/training staff who have 20+ years of experience in the main industry we support.
EDIT: I would expect an Subject Matter Expert to be an expert associated with software development, training, support, sales or marketing, who would have no difficulty in gaining mid- to senior- tier employment in their area of expert knowledge.
answered Dec 15 '12 at 22:47
GuyM
8,4332743
edited Dec 15 '12 at 23:18
answered Dec 15 '12 at 22:47
GuyM
8,4332743
answered Dec 15 '12 at 22:47
GuyM
8,4332743
answered Dec 15 '12 at 22:47
GuyM
8,4332743
8,4332743
1
Great answer GuyM!. +1. The only thing I'd really add is that one should really only call him/herself a SME if he/she has written books on a subject, created a business from the ground up, or give talks/educates others on the subject. In short, I don't think I'd call myself an SME, even though I have a lot of development and business experience.
– jmort253♦
Dec 16 '12 at 1:01
1
@jmort253 - if you extend your definition to include "publishes peer reviewed papers on the subject" then you'd have everyone in my team I consider to be an SME covered (!)
– GuyM
Dec 16 '12 at 1:26
Companies often use this term to describe someone who has reached the highest job level for an individual achiever, ie at the high end of the professional scale but no direct reports.
– JAGAnalyst
Dec 20 '12 at 22:47
add a comment |Â
1
Great answer GuyM!. +1. The only thing I'd really add is that one should really only call him/herself a SME if he/she has written books on a subject, created a business from the ground up, or give talks/educates others on the subject. In short, I don't think I'd call myself an SME, even though I have a lot of development and business experience.
– jmort253♦
Dec 16 '12 at 1:01
1
@jmort253 - if you extend your definition to include "publishes peer reviewed papers on the subject" then you'd have everyone in my team I consider to be an SME covered (!)
– GuyM
Dec 16 '12 at 1:26
Companies often use this term to describe someone who has reached the highest job level for an individual achiever, ie at the high end of the professional scale but no direct reports.
– JAGAnalyst
Dec 20 '12 at 22:47
1
1
Great answer GuyM!. +1. The only thing I'd really add is that one should really only call him/herself a SME if he/she has written books on a subject, created a business from the ground up, or give talks/educates others on the subject. In short, I don't think I'd call myself an SME, even though I have a lot of development and business experience.
– jmort253♦
Dec 16 '12 at 1:01
Great answer GuyM!. +1. The only thing I'd really add is that one should really only call him/herself a SME if he/she has written books on a subject, created a business from the ground up, or give talks/educates others on the subject. In short, I don't think I'd call myself an SME, even though I have a lot of development and business experience.
– jmort253♦
Dec 16 '12 at 1:01
1
1
@jmort253 - if you extend your definition to include "publishes peer reviewed papers on the subject" then you'd have everyone in my team I consider to be an SME covered (!)
– GuyM
Dec 16 '12 at 1:26
@jmort253 - if you extend your definition to include "publishes peer reviewed papers on the subject" then you'd have everyone in my team I consider to be an SME covered (!)
– GuyM
Dec 16 '12 at 1:26
Companies often use this term to describe someone who has reached the highest job level for an individual achiever, ie at the high end of the professional scale but no direct reports.
– JAGAnalyst
Dec 20 '12 at 22:47
Companies often use this term to describe someone who has reached the highest job level for an individual achiever, ie at the high end of the professional scale but no direct reports.
– JAGAnalyst
Dec 20 '12 at 22:47
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
The USAJOBS interface has done themselves no favors by implementing the drop-down menu shown in the way that they have. It is confusing, in that "Student (High School)" is shoved in there near the end, when the rest of the drop-down items generally follow a career path. In that path, "Student (High School)" should be first in the list, instead of what appears to be a momentary/singular attempt to alphabetize the list.
The Wikipedia entry for Subject-matter Expert, or SME, gives an appropriate general description, which is a similarly appropriate starting point in answering the question posed here: "a person who is an expert in a particular area or topic". As other people here have answered, the definition of SME in their own organizations can differ as to the specific qualifications that need to be held in order to be granted the "title" of SME, so let's turn to the US Office of Personnel Management's glossary definition of "Subject Matter Expert":
An individual within a department or agency who is thoroughly familiar
with a given topic and can provide expert input as to the appealing
aspects of a job and the skills and other qualities required of a job
applicant.
In the US Government hiring in particular -- and in other large organizations that have many levels of positions and require specific expertise -- "subject matter expert" is a sort of level of position much like we often hear "entry level" or "junior" or "senior". And, much like those levels, there's room for interpretation. Someone who holds a PhD may be well on their way to being a SME, but so might a person who has worked their way through the ranks for years, regardless of degree, who is in some way known for their good work, often externally.
Again looking at the US Office of Personnel Management's words on the subject, but again recognizing that this information is applicable elsewhere, here is an example of how SME's are used within the organization for use in job analyses for other possible position openings (SMEs are also used as stakeholders in projects, and just about anything else that you could imagine someone with a lot of information and knowledge could be used for within an organization, besides their own actual tasks; SMEs are often called in as participants in other projects besides their own):
The term subject matter expert (SME) is properly applied to anyone who
has direct, up-to-date experience of a job and is familiar with all of
its tasks. The person might currently hold the job or supervise the
job. SMEs must provide accurate information and effectively
communicate their ideas. SMEs should rate the job tasks and
competencies for importance to successful job performance.
So, while in general use the term "Subject Matter Expert" can simply mean "the best person to judge specifics about something for which they have expertise" -- meaning, you could be the subject matter expert about cleaning the office refrigerator. In the context of labeling yourself a SME on a job application for the government or otherwise, it means you'd be easily recognizable as the top of the class, the cream of the crop, or another metaphor signifying that not only would you be able to walk in and be the expert on the topic (if that's what the job was looking for), you'd be able to judge the qualifications of others (if sitting on a hiring committee for which your domain expertise was valuable), and offer expert testimony, as Tanguerena mentions in this answer.
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Dec 16 '12 at 14:24
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
The USAJOBS interface has done themselves no favors by implementing the drop-down menu shown in the way that they have. It is confusing, in that "Student (High School)" is shoved in there near the end, when the rest of the drop-down items generally follow a career path. In that path, "Student (High School)" should be first in the list, instead of what appears to be a momentary/singular attempt to alphabetize the list.
The Wikipedia entry for Subject-matter Expert, or SME, gives an appropriate general description, which is a similarly appropriate starting point in answering the question posed here: "a person who is an expert in a particular area or topic". As other people here have answered, the definition of SME in their own organizations can differ as to the specific qualifications that need to be held in order to be granted the "title" of SME, so let's turn to the US Office of Personnel Management's glossary definition of "Subject Matter Expert":
An individual within a department or agency who is thoroughly familiar
with a given topic and can provide expert input as to the appealing
aspects of a job and the skills and other qualities required of a job
applicant.
In the US Government hiring in particular -- and in other large organizations that have many levels of positions and require specific expertise -- "subject matter expert" is a sort of level of position much like we often hear "entry level" or "junior" or "senior". And, much like those levels, there's room for interpretation. Someone who holds a PhD may be well on their way to being a SME, but so might a person who has worked their way through the ranks for years, regardless of degree, who is in some way known for their good work, often externally.
Again looking at the US Office of Personnel Management's words on the subject, but again recognizing that this information is applicable elsewhere, here is an example of how SME's are used within the organization for use in job analyses for other possible position openings (SMEs are also used as stakeholders in projects, and just about anything else that you could imagine someone with a lot of information and knowledge could be used for within an organization, besides their own actual tasks; SMEs are often called in as participants in other projects besides their own):
The term subject matter expert (SME) is properly applied to anyone who
has direct, up-to-date experience of a job and is familiar with all of
its tasks. The person might currently hold the job or supervise the
job. SMEs must provide accurate information and effectively
communicate their ideas. SMEs should rate the job tasks and
competencies for importance to successful job performance.
So, while in general use the term "Subject Matter Expert" can simply mean "the best person to judge specifics about something for which they have expertise" -- meaning, you could be the subject matter expert about cleaning the office refrigerator. In the context of labeling yourself a SME on a job application for the government or otherwise, it means you'd be easily recognizable as the top of the class, the cream of the crop, or another metaphor signifying that not only would you be able to walk in and be the expert on the topic (if that's what the job was looking for), you'd be able to judge the qualifications of others (if sitting on a hiring committee for which your domain expertise was valuable), and offer expert testimony, as Tanguerena mentions in this answer.
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Dec 16 '12 at 14:24
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
The USAJOBS interface has done themselves no favors by implementing the drop-down menu shown in the way that they have. It is confusing, in that "Student (High School)" is shoved in there near the end, when the rest of the drop-down items generally follow a career path. In that path, "Student (High School)" should be first in the list, instead of what appears to be a momentary/singular attempt to alphabetize the list.
The Wikipedia entry for Subject-matter Expert, or SME, gives an appropriate general description, which is a similarly appropriate starting point in answering the question posed here: "a person who is an expert in a particular area or topic". As other people here have answered, the definition of SME in their own organizations can differ as to the specific qualifications that need to be held in order to be granted the "title" of SME, so let's turn to the US Office of Personnel Management's glossary definition of "Subject Matter Expert":
An individual within a department or agency who is thoroughly familiar
with a given topic and can provide expert input as to the appealing
aspects of a job and the skills and other qualities required of a job
applicant.
In the US Government hiring in particular -- and in other large organizations that have many levels of positions and require specific expertise -- "subject matter expert" is a sort of level of position much like we often hear "entry level" or "junior" or "senior". And, much like those levels, there's room for interpretation. Someone who holds a PhD may be well on their way to being a SME, but so might a person who has worked their way through the ranks for years, regardless of degree, who is in some way known for their good work, often externally.
Again looking at the US Office of Personnel Management's words on the subject, but again recognizing that this information is applicable elsewhere, here is an example of how SME's are used within the organization for use in job analyses for other possible position openings (SMEs are also used as stakeholders in projects, and just about anything else that you could imagine someone with a lot of information and knowledge could be used for within an organization, besides their own actual tasks; SMEs are often called in as participants in other projects besides their own):
The term subject matter expert (SME) is properly applied to anyone who
has direct, up-to-date experience of a job and is familiar with all of
its tasks. The person might currently hold the job or supervise the
job. SMEs must provide accurate information and effectively
communicate their ideas. SMEs should rate the job tasks and
competencies for importance to successful job performance.
So, while in general use the term "Subject Matter Expert" can simply mean "the best person to judge specifics about something for which they have expertise" -- meaning, you could be the subject matter expert about cleaning the office refrigerator. In the context of labeling yourself a SME on a job application for the government or otherwise, it means you'd be easily recognizable as the top of the class, the cream of the crop, or another metaphor signifying that not only would you be able to walk in and be the expert on the topic (if that's what the job was looking for), you'd be able to judge the qualifications of others (if sitting on a hiring committee for which your domain expertise was valuable), and offer expert testimony, as Tanguerena mentions in this answer.
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Dec 16 '12 at 14:24
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
The USAJOBS interface has done themselves no favors by implementing the drop-down menu shown in the way that they have. It is confusing, in that "Student (High School)" is shoved in there near the end, when the rest of the drop-down items generally follow a career path. In that path, "Student (High School)" should be first in the list, instead of what appears to be a momentary/singular attempt to alphabetize the list.
The Wikipedia entry for Subject-matter Expert, or SME, gives an appropriate general description, which is a similarly appropriate starting point in answering the question posed here: "a person who is an expert in a particular area or topic". As other people here have answered, the definition of SME in their own organizations can differ as to the specific qualifications that need to be held in order to be granted the "title" of SME, so let's turn to the US Office of Personnel Management's glossary definition of "Subject Matter Expert":
An individual within a department or agency who is thoroughly familiar
with a given topic and can provide expert input as to the appealing
aspects of a job and the skills and other qualities required of a job
applicant.
In the US Government hiring in particular -- and in other large organizations that have many levels of positions and require specific expertise -- "subject matter expert" is a sort of level of position much like we often hear "entry level" or "junior" or "senior". And, much like those levels, there's room for interpretation. Someone who holds a PhD may be well on their way to being a SME, but so might a person who has worked their way through the ranks for years, regardless of degree, who is in some way known for their good work, often externally.
Again looking at the US Office of Personnel Management's words on the subject, but again recognizing that this information is applicable elsewhere, here is an example of how SME's are used within the organization for use in job analyses for other possible position openings (SMEs are also used as stakeholders in projects, and just about anything else that you could imagine someone with a lot of information and knowledge could be used for within an organization, besides their own actual tasks; SMEs are often called in as participants in other projects besides their own):
The term subject matter expert (SME) is properly applied to anyone who
has direct, up-to-date experience of a job and is familiar with all of
its tasks. The person might currently hold the job or supervise the
job. SMEs must provide accurate information and effectively
communicate their ideas. SMEs should rate the job tasks and
competencies for importance to successful job performance.
So, while in general use the term "Subject Matter Expert" can simply mean "the best person to judge specifics about something for which they have expertise" -- meaning, you could be the subject matter expert about cleaning the office refrigerator. In the context of labeling yourself a SME on a job application for the government or otherwise, it means you'd be easily recognizable as the top of the class, the cream of the crop, or another metaphor signifying that not only would you be able to walk in and be the expert on the topic (if that's what the job was looking for), you'd be able to judge the qualifications of others (if sitting on a hiring committee for which your domain expertise was valuable), and offer expert testimony, as Tanguerena mentions in this answer.
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
answered Dec 16 '12 at 14:24
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
1
answered Dec 16 '12 at 14:24
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
answered Dec 16 '12 at 14:24
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
answered Dec 16 '12 at 14:24
jcmeloni
21.6k87393
21.6k87393
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I would define a SME, in that context, as a technical or service professional with a good amount of experience but that does not have a managerial role or aspiration. This is the type of person that will minimal training in there field of field to get up to speed and contribute in a meaningful way in a new position. I would not expect this person to necessarily be an Expert on all aspects but rather someone that would know what they were talking about and could come up with solutions for the difficult questions.
Generally I would expect a person to have a minimum of 3 years of experience in their field though 20 years fits in just as well. They should be able to talk easily about the concepts and common issues faced. They should know how to get answers to to questions they do not know and have some contacts that can help them solve even the most difficult problems. If you do not then would classify you as entry level. If you have a junior management role like Team Lead, assistant manager, etc that is what I would classify as a mid career professional.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 2:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
I think your first sentence is very typical of SMEs I've met or interacted with.
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:55
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
I would define a SME, in that context, as a technical or service professional with a good amount of experience but that does not have a managerial role or aspiration. This is the type of person that will minimal training in there field of field to get up to speed and contribute in a meaningful way in a new position. I would not expect this person to necessarily be an Expert on all aspects but rather someone that would know what they were talking about and could come up with solutions for the difficult questions.
Generally I would expect a person to have a minimum of 3 years of experience in their field though 20 years fits in just as well. They should be able to talk easily about the concepts and common issues faced. They should know how to get answers to to questions they do not know and have some contacts that can help them solve even the most difficult problems. If you do not then would classify you as entry level. If you have a junior management role like Team Lead, assistant manager, etc that is what I would classify as a mid career professional.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 2:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
I think your first sentence is very typical of SMEs I've met or interacted with.
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:55
add a comment |Â
up vote
2
down vote
up vote
2
down vote
I would define a SME, in that context, as a technical or service professional with a good amount of experience but that does not have a managerial role or aspiration. This is the type of person that will minimal training in there field of field to get up to speed and contribute in a meaningful way in a new position. I would not expect this person to necessarily be an Expert on all aspects but rather someone that would know what they were talking about and could come up with solutions for the difficult questions.
Generally I would expect a person to have a minimum of 3 years of experience in their field though 20 years fits in just as well. They should be able to talk easily about the concepts and common issues faced. They should know how to get answers to to questions they do not know and have some contacts that can help them solve even the most difficult problems. If you do not then would classify you as entry level. If you have a junior management role like Team Lead, assistant manager, etc that is what I would classify as a mid career professional.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 2:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
I would define a SME, in that context, as a technical or service professional with a good amount of experience but that does not have a managerial role or aspiration. This is the type of person that will minimal training in there field of field to get up to speed and contribute in a meaningful way in a new position. I would not expect this person to necessarily be an Expert on all aspects but rather someone that would know what they were talking about and could come up with solutions for the difficult questions.
Generally I would expect a person to have a minimum of 3 years of experience in their field though 20 years fits in just as well. They should be able to talk easily about the concepts and common issues faced. They should know how to get answers to to questions they do not know and have some contacts that can help them solve even the most difficult problems. If you do not then would classify you as entry level. If you have a junior management role like Team Lead, assistant manager, etc that is what I would classify as a mid career professional.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 2:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
answered Dec 16 '12 at 2:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
answered Dec 16 '12 at 2:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
answered Dec 16 '12 at 2:22
IDrinkandIKnowThings
43.9k1398188
43.9k1398188
I think your first sentence is very typical of SMEs I've met or interacted with.
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:55
add a comment |Â
I think your first sentence is very typical of SMEs I've met or interacted with.
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:55
I think your first sentence is very typical of SMEs I've met or interacted with.
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:55
I think your first sentence is very typical of SMEs I've met or interacted with.
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:55
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Generally, a "subject matter expert" is someone who knows the subject well enough to be writing books and teaching others. Many times, interviewers and recruiters ask you to rate your expertise on a scale of 1 to 10 - an SME would be a 10. Because USAJOBS is a US Federal Government jobs portal, I suspect that they're also looking for people who could satisfy the "expert witness" requirement in a Daubert hearing.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 1:55
Tangurena
5,0401936
1
I disagree with this. I think many companies use SME as much more of a "local" SME rather than "global."
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Generally, a "subject matter expert" is someone who knows the subject well enough to be writing books and teaching others. Many times, interviewers and recruiters ask you to rate your expertise on a scale of 1 to 10 - an SME would be a 10. Because USAJOBS is a US Federal Government jobs portal, I suspect that they're also looking for people who could satisfy the "expert witness" requirement in a Daubert hearing.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 1:55
Tangurena
5,0401936
1
I disagree with this. I think many companies use SME as much more of a "local" SME rather than "global."
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Generally, a "subject matter expert" is someone who knows the subject well enough to be writing books and teaching others. Many times, interviewers and recruiters ask you to rate your expertise on a scale of 1 to 10 - an SME would be a 10. Because USAJOBS is a US Federal Government jobs portal, I suspect that they're also looking for people who could satisfy the "expert witness" requirement in a Daubert hearing.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 1:55
Tangurena
5,0401936
Generally, a "subject matter expert" is someone who knows the subject well enough to be writing books and teaching others. Many times, interviewers and recruiters ask you to rate your expertise on a scale of 1 to 10 - an SME would be a 10. Because USAJOBS is a US Federal Government jobs portal, I suspect that they're also looking for people who could satisfy the "expert witness" requirement in a Daubert hearing.
answered Dec 16 '12 at 1:55
Tangurena
5,0401936
answered Dec 16 '12 at 1:55
Tangurena
5,0401936
answered Dec 16 '12 at 1:55
Tangurena
5,0401936
answered Dec 16 '12 at 1:55
Tangurena
5,0401936
5,0401936
1
I disagree with this. I think many companies use SME as much more of a "local" SME rather than "global."
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:56
add a comment |Â
1
I disagree with this. I think many companies use SME as much more of a "local" SME rather than "global."
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:56
1
1
I disagree with this. I think many companies use SME as much more of a "local" SME rather than "global."
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:56
I disagree with this. I think many companies use SME as much more of a "local" SME rather than "global."
– Elysian Fields♦
Dec 19 '12 at 6:56
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Judging from the types of titles on the list before it, I would say all formal levels are already covered. Thus, Subject Matter Expert has a little bit of an "Experienced, but no formal education" or "Self-educated" ring to it. That is, you are skilled in the subject, but may not possess a degree in it. Or perhaps you are without prior actual work experience, but still far more than "Entry Level" in the subject.
answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:49
Juha Untinen
1,5261018
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
Judging from the types of titles on the list before it, I would say all formal levels are already covered. Thus, Subject Matter Expert has a little bit of an "Experienced, but no formal education" or "Self-educated" ring to it. That is, you are skilled in the subject, but may not possess a degree in it. Or perhaps you are without prior actual work experience, but still far more than "Entry Level" in the subject.
answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:49
Juha Untinen
1,5261018
add a comment |Â
up vote
0
down vote
up vote
0
down vote
Judging from the types of titles on the list before it, I would say all formal levels are already covered. Thus, Subject Matter Expert has a little bit of an "Experienced, but no formal education" or "Self-educated" ring to it. That is, you are skilled in the subject, but may not possess a degree in it. Or perhaps you are without prior actual work experience, but still far more than "Entry Level" in the subject.
answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:49
Juha Untinen
1,5261018
Judging from the types of titles on the list before it, I would say all formal levels are already covered. Thus, Subject Matter Expert has a little bit of an "Experienced, but no formal education" or "Self-educated" ring to it. That is, you are skilled in the subject, but may not possess a degree in it. Or perhaps you are without prior actual work experience, but still far more than "Entry Level" in the subject.
answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:49
Juha Untinen
1,5261018
answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:49
Juha Untinen
1,5261018
answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:49
Juha Untinen
1,5261018
answered Dec 17 '12 at 13:49
Juha Untinen
1,5261018
1,5261018
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
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2
The only people with the authority to answer are the subject matter experts on USAJOBS. It is their terminology, after all.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:15
Come on, SOMEONE thought it was a good idea to include on the thing... it has to mean something that's easily understood!
– Rachel Keslensky
Dec 15 '12 at 20:19
1
Well, that someone would be at USAJOBS. I do think it is a highly subjective term and people as disparate as real experts (say Stephen Hawking) to self assured teens could select this option. But as to what is meant by it on USAJOBS - only they can tell you.
– Oded
Dec 15 '12 at 20:24
1
Wikipedia has a definition of "Subject Matter Expert" as relates to the software industry. As an example, I employ developers who are Subject Matter Experts in a particular scientific and technical field. They all have a degree in that field, and some are eductated to MSc and PhD level.
– GuyM
Dec 15 '12 at 21:39
1
An Subject Matter Expert or SME is someone who is an expert in a particular subject matter. Generally speaking you'll see SME with a qualifier or within a context such as a programming language, application, system or process. Although many SMEs have higher/advanced degrees it is not necessary to be an SME in a given area.
– Steve
Dec 16 '12 at 16:41