A subject matter expert can be hired to write course material for online and classroom courses.
A subject matter expert is someone who communicates their knowledge about a topic to other professionals in an organization. They often act as consultants to companies that need to produce educational courses or publish training material. Someone in this position may also serve as a resource throughout the process of bringing a product to market or may simply offer preliminary information at the start of a new venture. He may also play a role in establishing a company’s quality assurance measures.
A subject matter expert can work with technical writers to ensure product manuals are accurate.
Technology and software companies often rely on subject matter experts to tell programmers and engineers what a product should do. They may also work with technical writers to ensure product manuals are accurate and usable. Publishers, on the other hand, may rely on a subject matter expert to point them in the direction of good authors or explain an emerging area of interest. If a publisher’s editors aren’t familiar with a particular topic, they can submit a book to that expert for verification.
Educational companies, especially those offering vocational training, can also make considerable use of subject matter experts. Courses, both online and in the classroom, are often developed by editors and instructional designers who have little knowledge of the subjects being taught. Someone who is an expert in a subject can be hired to write the course material, which is then broken down into a course. Another important role for subject matter experts is in the area of test development: They may work with psychometricians to develop professional licensing exams, making sure the appropriate topic is covered on the exam and that the answer is correct.
Some subject matter experts are employees of the companies they work for and may have a specific role, such as an editor, within the organization as well. On the other hand, they can also continue to work in their own field of expertise, offering independent consulting services to various organizations and companies. For example, a real estate appraiser may run his or her own business while offering subject matter expertise to a company that produces appraisal software. That same reviewer can also write and edit books in his area. In doing so, he not only expands his professional network, but also continues to hone her professional skills and increase his knowledge, increasing her marketability as a consultant.