(Rejected: 2)Blockchain is a Top Job Skill for 2020, But What is Working in this Industry Really Like?
Do you want to work in blockchain, crypto and all things new?
Recently Blockchain was confirmed as a top skill, but is it a top job? Below we have an interview with an employee after years in the industry.
This is the story of Person A, after 4 years of working in the industry from a Business and Marketing side.
Q1. When did you start working in Blockchain?
Person A: Ironically I started in 2017 just as Bitcoin went sky high before crashing in value. I can’t be sure, but I don't think it was my fault.
Q2. Why were you interested in Blockchain?
Person A: Personally I love technology, have worked for some great technology firms and studied Business at university. After a few years in the internet industries, I wanted to get involved in the next big tech movement. I noticed Bitcoin. Somehow, everyone knows Bitcoin before knowing Blockchain and so I started applying for jobs.
I interviewed for a company, we talked about technology changing the world, opening up borders and making it easy to spend money anywhere. It sounded pretty amazing, I didn't know anything, but I was eager to learn.
A few days went past and I got the job! I was officially a member of the fin-tech world.
Q3. What did you do in your first job?
Person A: My first job was working for a digital company offering Blockchain Solutions
My first few weeks in the company revolved heavily around learning and understanding as much about Blockchain, Crypto, and Fin-tech as possible. The company was very eager to supply books and educational materials offering full reimbursement to help employees grow. I read multiple books, The Intenet of Money, Blockchain Basics, Mastering Bitcoin, Blockchain: The Ultimate Guide to Understanding, as well as multiple whitepapers of upcoming projects multiple times to really know what I was talking about.
One of the first projects the company was working on was introducing a new coin for travel. One coin to go anywhere! I got insights on everything being developed, from the tech team creating the code, branding of the token, marketing plans and creating documentation to explain how and why it would be a benefit to anyone interested in buying. I would say that as always, programmers and system engineers have a very difficult time, as they need to be available for any and all problems that pop up. This particular project used the Ethereum platform and ERC 20 tokens, which required a lot of time and effort from a large team of skilled programmers. I don't want to shill or advertise the project, but I will finish with this, a lot of projects don't make it due to adoption.
Q4. What did you learn?
Person A: My main takeaways were,
Understanding and usage of crypto/blockchain is key
Development never stops / learning should never stop
Regulation makes it hard for standard marketing including the use of Google, social media and other standard methods
Be willing to do more than just your roles title. Most companies will be startups, but as we move further into adoption, it is possible to join large organizations now too.
Blockchain is a worldwide business, projects come from everywhere so expect to cover and understand multiple markets and network with a lot of people. Knowing people in the industry is essential.
Q5. Is the Industry Stable?
Person A: After a very short time in my first crypto and blockchain adventure, I had to move jobs, the market isn't stable, not yet, so don't expect jobs to be stable either. Startups can do very well, or disappear into the crypto Forrest with 1000’s of other failed projects. But, I'm positive and was lucky to move jobs before I was out of work and seeking a new role.
Why is it always easier to get new jobs when we are currently working? I've heard this a lot.
With my current project changing and relocating to another location, I needed to make a decision. Stay with this current company, or find something else? 2 years is generally seen as a small-time in a company, however, due to relocation, maybe moving was ok.
In the end, I managed to join a new company with lots of marketing projects and business ventures. The chance to learn more, do more and grow was very appealing, and with almost 2-years experience in Blockchain, I thought I was an expert. I mean, I was, right?
Not really.
Remember,
Development never stops / learning should never stop
I found that again standard norms of business, all change when working in this industry, at least for now until law and government can apply new legislation to help improve and build on the technology. Being adaptable and ready to change plans is something that has been a constant factor as I continue to learn, and strongly recommend newcomers to be ready for. I don't believe this is an industry that you can sit still in and plan for well in advance, its one that requires monitoring and constant testing to see what is working, what won't work anymore due to sudden changes and what can be the next step.
Q6. How would you describe your time in Blockchain and Fin-Tech so far?
Person A: To sum up my career in Blockchain…..
- It’s a market with lots of change
- You need to understand more than just your role and expertise
- Using the technology is essential to be able to understand and market to others
The industry is very exciting, with more new developments and businesses than you can imagine. There is a lot to learn, but, compared to staying the same, I think this part of the job is a benefit helping to keep us on our toes and ready to adapt.
I have really enjoyed growing with Blockchain as it develops, so do I think it’s a good industry to join? Yes.
But remember, in crypto, there is no such thing as stability.
Not yet anyway.
- Person A has requested to remain anonymous for certain reasons but we thank them for taking to time to share some insights into what working in Blockchain, Fin-Tech and Cryptocurrency can involve.