In the fifteen years since its entrance into the mainstream via Bitcoin, blockchain technology has grown quickly in user adoption and has arguably had the most technological impact since the introduction of the internet.
As such, businesses of all sizes, public organizations, and individual users are starting to become more familiar with and embrace blockchain for the future.
Blockchain, which makes up a big part of the ongoing decentralized Web3 movement, has become a viable career path for many who want to make a change. As a global industry that runs 24/7 natively on the internet, blockchain can give opportunities to any person in any country on the planet. By becoming knowledgeable about blockchain, many career opportunities can open for those willing to learn and get immersed.
Here are 5 reasons why learning blockchain is essential for your career.
Reason 1: Blockchain technology is global and 24/7
Blockchain is an online shared ledger and network that can store transactions and data in a globally unified system with immutability and verifiability. The technology of the blockchain also enables it to interact with the traditional financial system and other business systems, making it a versatile career path for those looking to advance their traditional career skill set with knowledge of emerging technology such as blockchain.
In the blockchain world, public and permissionless blockchains which offer permissionless access to anyone have become the standard. Decentralized applications created on top of these blockchains offer a range of direct peer-to-peer services and provide immediate global access to anyone who wishes to build or use such services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This democratizes access to essential financial services, content monetization, personal identity, and much more that many people around the world don’t have access to.
Governments are starting to realize the potential for business transformation blockchain and Web3 can provide and many are starting to create the frameworks for supporting the expansion of the blockchain industry. This means learning about blockchain can propel one’s career as things are just getting started in this industry. The opportunities in this context dramatically increase for individuals who take the time to learn about blockchain, whether it be on the technical or non-technical side.
Reason 2: Blockchain technology gives you a career edge
A distributed online ledger that is secured by participants is at the heart of blockchain technology. This “database” is really at the forefront of several huge industries. There are many sectors of the economy where a more efficient database such as blockchain can have a significant economic impact including financial services, remittances, traceability, logistics, and much more.
This creates a demand for a new skill set that can be used to advance or revolutionize industries. Those proficient in building efficient blockchain solutions can be invaluable to companies wanting to improve profitability and looking for revenue growth.
Because blockchain is still in the early stages of adoption and businesses are experimenting with integrating blockchain, there is still so much room for the growth of blockchain careers.
In its 2022 Technology Trends Outlook, McKinsey named Web3 as one of the top trends to look out for due to its disruptive potential.
Reason 3: A tech stack and infrastructure platform with multiple use cases
The distributed ledger is not a technology that does one single thing. It’s a piece of essential tech infrastructure with multiple use cases in a diverse range of fields. It sits at the core of many human activities, as ledger-based accounting is present in nearly all human organizations from private companies to healthcare, NGOs, and governments. All of these areas can incorporate distributed blockchain-based ledgers in one way or another.
According to PwC’s Time for Trust report, economists predict blockchain to boost global GDP by nearly $2 trillion by 2030 and add up to 40 million jobs. Many organizations and businesses are looking to use blockchain to improve business efficiency.
Reason 4: Blockchain could future-proof your career
Since blockchain technology has so many applications and is growing in its applicability to different industries, professionals don’t need to necessarily give up their current career path. They can apply the knowledge directly to their current fields. As such, blockchain knowledge can help people retain their current careers and grow within their profession.
Blockchain is also at the leading edge of remote work, international payments, and decentralized organizations or projects and startups within blockchain. Those in the blockchain field will find it easier to adjust to the changes in the jobs market.
One example is remote work. Most blockchain companies, startups, and organizations are fully remote. They accept people from diverse nationalities and have developed many techniques to keep remote workers productive and engaged. So, entering the blockchain industry can secure a person’s career in a changing job market that is transitioning to an increase in remote work.
Funding is also going to blockchain-based organizations and businesses building blockchain solutions. As such, demand is increasing for blockchain-proficient workers.
Read more: How EMURGO supports remote work opportunities
Reason 5: The number of blockchain jobs keeps growing
The job market for blockchain professionals is growing and expanding to new industries. As expected, the vast majority of openings are for developers. The role of full stack developer remains the one with the highest demand, followed by smart contract developers, and finally web developers with blockchain experience.
The non-technical side has the most demand for those in community building, community management, and the marketing field.
There is also a high demand for people who have data analytic skills. Blockchain data analysis is growing as more trading firms enter the blockchain market, as they look for people who can filter the data produced on-chain and can find useful patterns in it.
Blockchain remains a dynamic industry in fast expansion. One of the expected areas of growth is coming from governments and their regulatory agencies. The recent surge in blockchain regulation is set to catalyze a substantial increase in career opportunities within the blockchain sector. As governments and regulatory bodies around the world intensify their focus on this innovative technology, there is an escalating demand for professionals who can navigate the complex landscape of legal and compliance issues associated with blockchain and cryptocurrencies.
This regulatory shift is not merely creating roles for legal experts but is also opening up avenues for blockchain developers, compliance officers, cybersecurity specialists, and consultants who can provide strategic guidance to businesses venturing into the blockchain space. These developments suggest a burgeoning job market that balances technical expertise with an understanding of the new regulatory frameworks, positioning blockchain as a key driver of employment growth in the tech sector.
Cardano is one of the leading decentralized blockchain networks that is increasing the adoption of the technology worldwide. The emphasis in the developing world is helping Cardano grow faster, as its technology and ecosystem of decentralized applications have been increasing rapidly.