Blockchain technology is making forays into a plethora of sectors and experts believe it will change the way industries have evolved traditionally over the ages.
Among the emerging technologies, blockchain is gaining popularity. While there is a huge demand for blockchain developers, there is a huge shortage of manpower. India is one of the few countries in which there is interest especially among the youth to enhance skills. Experts opine that blockchain technology is the future.
What is Blockchain?
Blockchain is a system in which transactions made in crypto currencies like Bitcoin are tracked and recorded in several computing units that are linked to each other in a ‘peer to peer’ way. The data stored in Blockchain are in a digital format, and is stored electronically. Blockchains are most popularly known for their roles in crypto currencies like Bitcoin which makes it ultra secure and the record of transactions remain decentralized.
The data in Blockchain technology is structured differently. In a traditional database, data is structured in tables while in blockchain, data is structured in blocks or groups which when filled are closed and linked to the previous block forming a chain. Each chain is given a timestamp which creates an ‘irreversible timeline’ of data when it is incorporated in a decentralized system. Filled blocks become a part of this timeline.
Hence, Blockchain allows digital information to be recorded and distributed but not edited. Hence, Blockchain is the base for ‘immutable ledgers’ or a record which doesn’t allow data to get manipulated or destroyed. It is also called ‘Distributed Ledger Technology’ or DLT.
Prospects:
Fresher’s with no coding abilities will first have to learn languages like ‘Solidity’ or ‘Javascript’. Even though students’ can learn the languages on their own, we suggest studnts’ to get enrolled and have a diploma or degree in the same.
Other skills that can give freshers an edge over the others and make them highly desirable in the job market is the know-how about languages like ‘REACT’, ‘CSS’, ‘HTML’, ‘NodeJS’ and ‘PYTHON’ along with frameworks like ‘TRUFFLE’. Some companies expect their interns or entry level engineers to be equipped with the knowledge of ‘distributed apps’, ‘wallets’, ‘networks’ and ‘smart contracts’ as well. A sound knowledge of ‘DApps’ architecture and the use cases will also take freshers a long way. Having a sound knowledge of ‘side chain’ and ‘off chain’ transactions with an understanding of frameworks and Blockchain platforms along with a solid understanding of cryptography will earn freshers bonus points, and make them stand out from the rest.
Degrees
Even though it is not mandatory to have a degree in Blockchain development, recruiters however prefer candidates who have a certificate to show. They prefer candidates who have made prototypes in the past and have successfully used Blockhain technology to build applications.
What is the work of a junior level developer?
Junior developers are usually enrolled with ground work and supportive tasks like fixing mobile applications or debugging softwares. The other thing they might be asked to do is develop ‘Blockchain proof’ of certain concepts and design ledgers of certain platforms. They may also be asked to create Blockchain API’s.
Other tasks may include creating pilot solutions, and using solutions of different software platforms. Startups may also expect junior developers to create the UI design and the ‘front to end’ development of mobile and web applications. Adaptability and a creative mindset will take a young developer a long way.
Make your way
To just rise from a junior position to a mid level, all you’ll require is to expand your technical skill set. Hence, by signing up for a number of Blockchain courses, you can give your career the boost it requires. Learning about data structures like ‘HashMaps’, Queue, Tree, and Stack will take you way ahead. Mid level officers need to be adept in languages like ‘MYSQL’, ‘REST’, ‘Neural Networks’, ‘AJAX’, ‘Agile Scrum,’ etc.
It is also recommended that junior developers familiarize themselves with a number of platforms. If one has a knack for ICO or developing Decentralized Apps ‘DApps’ with the help of Ethereum then it’s extremely important to learn ‘Solidity’ since it’s the dominant tool to create smart contracts. Junior developers need to be certified in C++ and Java to get approved by ‘HyperLedger’. Learning about the fiscal aspects of Blockchain engineering can also give junior developers a much required break.
Apart from degrees in courses, recruiters also like their employees to have experience. Hence, working in ‘Open Sourced Blockchain Related Projects’ will give freshers the credibility the recruiters look for simply because it sets the standard for the entire blockchain industry and qualifying the same means the candidate is great. Apart from technical knowledge and skills, a fresher should work on having strong inter-personal skills as well.
Career path
- With the emergence of Bitcoin in 2008 and the rise of Blockchain technology in the subsequent years, the industry currently faces a huge shortage in senior blockchain engineers with more than ten years of experience. Primarily just because of this, senior executives often forge paths with various Blockchain related fields. Firms like IBM, Barclays and Microsoft have several programmes to combat fraud, track illegal transactions, and operating bank guarantees. But the Blockchain industry doesn’t just end here.
- Countries like Estonia, South Korea and UAE are planning to switch to Blockchain powered solutions. Hence, senior Blockchain officials can work as Blockchain architects, designing Blockchain protocols and networks for transactions. It, however, requires advanced analytical skills and proficiency in cryptography, programming and Blockchain itself.
- Blockchain developers with more than 5 years of experience can work as ‘Quality Engineers’ where they are required to define and implement ‘Test Automation Strategies’ and create test standards automated by ‘QA’.
- Apart from that, freshers you can also rise to prominence by getting an engineering MBA and becoming a project manager in Blockchain companies which include looking after Blockchain projects and supervising Blockchian engineers of different levels.
- The one decision that job seekers in this field have to make early on is the type of Blockchain engineering they want to specialize in. There are two broad categories to choose from. 1) Public Blockchain and 2) Private Blockchain.
- Examples of Public Blockchain are Ethereum and Bitcoin. They come with no restrictions and also provide financial assistance to engineers who can secure. An example of a Private Blockchain however is ‘HyperLedger Fabric’ which is only accessed by a small group of people through invites that are sent.
- Experts suggest that Blockchain technology will transform the way industries evolve across the globe and could get implemented in almost every industry starting from financial transactions to digital ID’s and digital suffrages.
What waits after the top level?
We would like to part with one suggestion, that is, to not stop at any level. Take your career higher by learning new and emerging technologies relevant to Blockchain. For example, an advanced degree in finance or artificial intelligence will give you the edge over companies who are turning to Blockchain.
