Blockchain Job Boom

Blockchain technology is changing the world we live in. Some people even refer to it as the Internet of the future. More and more companies are adopting the technology and as such need more and more skilled workers to join their teams. This technology is still new and therefore these skills are hard to come by. Blockchain technology is growing so rapidly that it has led to a shortage of recruits. So one of the biggest challenges for companies at this stage is identifying these skill sets and finding qualified candidates.

A simple job posting on a job board isn’t going to attract the right people.

So where do you find the best candidates?

Most people who have these skills are self-taught and self-educated. You need to get involved with the communities that they are involved in. Github is an open-source community with over 65 million developers. Social media platforms like Facebook and Reddit are also very popular.

Most companies however are training in-house because they can’t find the necessary skills. According to techcrunch.com, the demand for blockchain-based jobs showed a growth of 700% in 2018 and that number is constantly rising.

What are the in-demand blockchain skills?

Blockchain is the biggest opportunity set we can think of over the next decade or so. – Bob Greifeld, Nasdaq Chief Executive.

According to 101blockchains.com, the following are the most in-demand blockchain skills:

1. Cryptography.

   In its simplest form, cryptography is a way for 2 people to secretly share information. Cryptography was around way before computers and the internet. The first use of cryptography can be traced back around 4000 years ago. The Egyptians used it to send messages on behalf of their kings.  How it basically works is you have a “key” that you share with the other person. You write your message and lock it with the key. When you send your message the other person also has that key to unlock the message.

2. Blockchain Architecture.

   The traditional internet uses a client-server architecture. This means that information is stored on a centralised server and “clients” or users access that information via their device. For example, this article you are reading is stored as a file on a centralised server. When you connect to the website and access this article you are viewing the document on a server sitting in a data center somewhere in South Africa. With Blockchain, there is no centralised server. In blockchain the architecture is known as a “distributed network”. This means that each “client” using the network maintains, approves, and manages the network. The information is not stored on a central server. Each “client” or participant has a replicate of the network on their device. This is also what makes blockchain more efficient and secure. If the central server that this article is stored on goes down, you will not be reading this right now. But if for example this article was stored on a blockchain. If one “Client” goes down, this article will still be available as it is distributed on the network

3. Data Structures.

   In computer science, data structures are the way computers store and organise data to make them more efficient. With blockchain technology, it is extremely important to understand data structures.

4. Smart Contracts.

   Smart contracts on a blockchain are simply automated programs that run when certain conditions are met. The network automatically executes the action when certain conditions are met and verified. This type of contract can eliminate the need for human intervention and error. It can also save a lot of time and money.

5. Knowledge of Business Drivers and Expected Outcomes.

   Besides understanding the technical aspects of blockchain you must also have the ability to focus on the business needs. It is important to understand how the business works and what problems blockchain can eliminate. If you fully understand how the business works and what gaps there are in processes, this will help you in deciding what and how to implement blockchain technology.

6. Interoperability Skills.

   With so many new blockchain technologies out there today it is important to have a broader understanding of all of them. Because blockchain is so new, what is hot today may not be so trendy in a few months or even years. Technology is moving so fast nowadays. Take your smartphone, for example, in a few months there is guaranteed to be a newer model. Developers need to focus on gaining an understanding of interoperability between different Blockchains.

7. Cross-Disciplinary Expertise.

   Cross-disciplinary skills are mandatory for solving problems associated with distributed applications on a blockchain. What this means is using several disciplines on the same subject to solve a problem. A better understanding of the blockchain makes sense if it is accompanied by ways to make the blockchain better at the same time. On its own blockchain is nothing, but combining it with other technology can create wonders and solve many problems.
   

8. Using Blockchain as an Instrument of Simplification.

   As we discussed before with smart contracts, blockchain can solve and simplify many processes. It can also simplify the process of cross-border payments. With traditional methods of cross-border payment, transactions can take a few days to process. Whereas with blockchain it can take seconds. Costs are also way less than traditional payment methods.
   

9. Practical Experience in Designing Blockchain Solutions.

   As with everything, businesses will always look for practical experience. Most blockchain-based job descriptions require experience. But how do you gain experience when no one wants to hire you? Well, one idea is to start developing your own blockchain or smart contract or cryptocurrency to solve new-age problems. Why not? You need to focus on innovative new ideas that can contribute to the development of Blockchain. Recent studies have also shown that most people with these skills are self-taught. There are even teenagers at home living with their parents that have these skills. After all, there is a shortage and if you can show a company that you are serious by creating your own blockchain tech, it sure will score you some points.
   

10. Blockchain Standards.

    Finally, it is imperative to understand blockchain standards. Standards are a key to success in the blockchain. The right standards, set at the right time in development, will ensure interoperability, generate trust in and help ensure ease of use of the technology. In this way, standards support its development and create a way to mass adoption.

Bitcoin is a remarkable cryptographic achievement, and the ability to create something that is not duplicable in the digital world has enormous value. – Eric Schmidt, CEO of Google

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