Recognition as a subject matter expert is achieved through a combination of education, experience, and marketing. For example, if a company is developing an online course for new employees to go through to learn how to use the computer programs, the subject matter expert would be very knowledgeable about the specific computer systems being taught. Subject matter experts know their topic well, so others on the team review to make sure no steps were skipped or jargon used without full explanation, so it can be understood by the audience it is targeting. It is important for experts and other professionals to recognize when even highly specialized knowledge is insufficient to diagnose and remedy a unique problem properly. Technology and software companies often rely on subject matter experts to inform programmers and engineers of what a product needs to be able to do. SMEs are used across different industries and can help solve problems when general expertise is insufficient. Developing as a subject matter expert takes time, experience, and intense research and study. courses that prepare you to earn And what does a subject matter expert do? A subject matter expert (SME) is an individual with a deep understanding of a particular topic. As you finish watching, the outcome should be to: To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. They can exist in all regulations and are cross-trained in their particular functions. In short, Subject Matter Expert is an intellectual figure having years of experience in their preferred discipline. A Subject Matter Expert (aka SME) is an authority in a particular technology, process, function, machine, etc. There is a major distinction between your average subject matter expert (SME) and the top performing SMEs. SMEs come from academic, technical, and vocational fields. Christopher G. Byers, DVM, DACVECC, DACVIM. An SME is considered an authority on a certain topic â not only educated on the subject but has the capacity to share their knowledge with other interested parties. Subject matter experts are vital to helping groups solve highly specific problems where their general expertise proves insufficient. Subject matter experts in some fields often serve as expert witnesses in lawsuits and other legal actions. Already registered? Often abbreviated to SME, the subject matter expert can be an individual contributor, manager or executive. Anyone can earn For example, a textbook may include an instructor's guide that an SME may provide content for, based on experience and knowledge about which techniques and strategies work best for students and teachers. - Definition & Examples, What is a Use Case? 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