What does a subject matter expert do?

What is a Subject Matter Expert?

A subject matter expert (SME) has specialized knowledge and expertise in a particular subject or field. SMEs are typically recognized as authorities or practitioners with deep understanding and experience in their area of expertise. They provide valuable insights, guidance, and support to organizations, teams, and projects.

In the context of education and training, SMEs contribute to the development of learning materials, curriculum, and assessments by providing accurate and up-to-date information, examples, case studies, and real-world applications. They collaborate with instructional designers, course developers, and educators to ensure that learning materials are relevant, comprehensive, and aligned with learning objectives. SMEs may also deliver training sessions, workshops, or lectures to share their knowledge and expertise with learners, helping to bridge the gap between theory and practice in educational settings.

What does a Subject Matter Expert do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a subject matter expert can vary depending on the industry, organization, and specific project requirements. However, some common responsibilities include:

• Provide Expertise: SMEs are responsible for providing specialized knowledge and expertise in their field or subject area. This involves staying up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, regulations, and advancements relevant to their area of expertise.
• Collaborate on Content Development: SMEs collaborate with instructional designers, curriculum developers, and educators to develop learning materials, training programs, or curriculum content. They contribute to the design, review, and refinement of course materials to ensure accuracy, relevance, and alignment with learning objectives.
• Conduct Training and Workshops: SMEs may deliver training sessions, workshops, or presentations to share their knowledge and expertise with learners, employees, or colleagues. They facilitate discussions, answer questions, and provide insights to help learners understand complex concepts and apply them in real-world scenarios.
• Review and Quality Assurance: SMEs review and provide feedback on educational materials, assessments, and training programs to ensure accuracy, completeness, and effectiveness. They identify areas for improvement, suggest revisions, and verify that content meets industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Serve as a Resource: SMEs serve as a resource and point of contact for colleagues, students, or clients seeking guidance or information in their area of expertise. They may provide mentorship, coaching, or consultation to support the professional development and skill acquisition of others in their field.
• Stay Informed: SMEs stay informed about emerging trends, research findings, and developments in their field to continuously update and enhance their knowledge and expertise. They participate in professional development activities, attend conferences, and engage in networking opportunities to stay connected with peers and industry experts.

Types of Subject Matter Experts
Subject matter experts come from diverse backgrounds and possess expertise in various fields. Here are several types of SMEs commonly found across different industries:

• Academic Experts: Academic SMEs are scholars, researchers, or educators who specialize in academic disciplines such as science, mathematics, humanities, or social sciences. They contribute to curriculum development, course design, and instructional materials within educational institutions, ensuring that content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with academic standards.
• Environmental and Sustainability Experts: Environmental SMEs specialize in environmental science, sustainability, conservation, or environmental policy. They provide expertise on environmental issues, sustainable practices, green technologies, and regulatory compliance, helping organizations minimize their environmental impact and promote sustainability.
• Industry Experts: These SMEs have extensive experience and knowledge within a specific industry, such as healthcare, finance, technology, or manufacturing. They provide insights, guidance, and best practices relevant to their industry's operations, regulations, and challenges.
• Language and Linguistics Experts: These SMEs specialize in language and linguistics, providing expertise in areas such as translation, interpretation, language teaching, or language acquisition. They contribute to language learning programs, translation projects, linguistic research, and cross-cultural communication initiatives.
• Legal Experts: Legal SMEs are lawyers, legal scholars, or legal professionals who specialize in various areas of law, such as corporate law, intellectual property, employment law, or regulatory compliance. They provide guidance, interpretation, and analysis of legal matters, ensuring that organizations comply with applicable laws and regulations.
• Medical Experts: Medical SMEs are healthcare professionals, clinicians, or researchers with expertise in medical specialties such as cardiology, oncology, neurology, or pediatrics. They contribute to medical education, clinical practice guidelines, research studies, and healthcare policies, ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care.
• Technical Experts: Technical SMEs specialize in specific technical fields, such as engineering, IT, software development, or data analytics. They possess in-depth knowledge of technical concepts, tools, methodologies, and standards, and they often contribute to the design, development, and implementation of technical solutions.

What is the workplace of a Subject Matter Expert like?

The workplace of a subject matter expert can vary significantly depending on their field of expertise, industry, and specific role within an organization. In many cases, SMEs work in diverse environments that may include traditional office settings, educational institutions, research laboratories, healthcare facilities, or remote workspaces. Regardless of the physical location, SMEs typically spend a significant portion of their time conducting research, analyzing data, and sharing their expertise with colleagues, clients, or students.

In educational settings, SMEs often work in classrooms, lecture halls, or research labs within colleges, universities, or training institutions. They may deliver lectures, lead discussions, or conduct experiments to impart knowledge and expertise to students. Additionally, SMEs may collaborate with colleagues to develop curriculum materials, design courses, or conduct research projects that advance knowledge within their academic discipline. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and intellectual exchange, allowing SMEs to contribute to the academic community while staying informed about the latest developments in their field.

In corporate settings, SMEs may work in offices, conference rooms, or collaborative workspaces within companies, government agencies, or consulting firms. They may serve as advisors, consultants, or project leads, providing guidance, insights, and recommendations on various initiatives related to their area of expertise. SMEs may also participate in meetings, workshops, or training sessions to share their knowledge with colleagues, address challenges, and develop solutions that drive business success.