DISCLAIMER: This post is not about cryptocurrency trading or investment nor does it encourage cryptocurrency investments. This post is about the education and skills one would require to be a blockchain or cryptocurrency developer that most companies dealing with financial technology (FinTech) may consider.
10 years ago, a finance degree could land graduates a job in investments in financial institutions but now, companies are looking for more. They are looking for graduates with knowledge of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency.
The future of blockchain is near and has already caused much disruptions in how conventional banking works. Many financial institutions and software companies are shifting their attention and hiring to blockchain technology, especially in cryptocurrency.
Bitcoin (BTC) is the first cryptocurrency that was launched in 2009 that uses uses blockchain technology. Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency, without a central bank or single administrator, that can be sent from user to user on the peer-to-peer bitcoin network without the need for intermediaries. Since there is no use for intermediaries , it has disrupted and will go on to making more disruptions to banks, money exchanger, money remittance companies and financial institutions. The acceptance of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have grown tremendously over the past decade. Major companies like Microsoft, Starbucks, Tesla, Amazon and PayPal accepts cryptocurrencies as a mode of payment. Billionaires like Elon Musk (CEO, Tesla) and Mark Cuban (owner of the National Basketball Association's (NBA) Dallas Mavericks) have openly and vocally showed their support to cryptocurrencies like DogeCoin (DOGE) and Ethereum (ETH).
1 Bitcoin was worth $1 on 9 February 2011 and 10 years later, it reached $48,226.25 on 9 February 2021. On 10 May 2021, 1 BTC is approximately worth $58,490. Cryptocurrencies are definitely here to stay and the potential to have growth as the global acceptance and demand increases. So the question is, how will you be prepared to take on a job as a blockchain / cryptocurrency developer in the future where companies are hunting high and low with people of this skillset.
What Qualifications do you Require?
Many websites will tell you that you don't need to have coding experience and you can just do a certificate in a coding language, preferably in Solidity, but we really do recommend you have a Bachelor or Master Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Engineering. You can always go on job portals to find the requirements and having a degree in CS related fields are usually the minimum.
With a degree, you should be proficient with at least one programming language. It's better to know more to increase your chances as the use of programming languages varies between companies. For example, Binance, the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange in the world. requires applicants to proficient in one of the following languages: Golang, Java, Rust for their Blockchain Data Analysis Developer role in their Singapore office.
We recommend being proficient in at least two languages like C++, Python, Java, JavaScript. To be a smart contract developer, you will need to be proficient in Solidity too.
It is also preferred you have a good understanding of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. We will go on and share where you can have acquire these skills and knowledge.
Where Should I Acquire these Skills and Knowledge?
In our previous post, we highly recommend your computer science degree to done in the United States due to most of the biggest tech companies in the world are headquartered there. We also have a YouTube video on it. Contact us for more information regarding your study options in computer science or software engineering. the US, UK and Australia.
According to CoinMarketCap, the US is also home to the second and third largest cryptocurrency exchanges in the world, behind Binance. The second place is Coinbase (no official headquarters) and Kraken (headquartered in San Francisco, California).
Next, you can obtain a certificate in Blockchain technology online or going to schools to attend. You can also attend these course online while you are in university. There are many schools that offer courses in blockchain technology online and even provide certificates of completion.
To be a smart contract developer, you will need to be proficient in Solidity too. You can also take Solidity courses online and get a certificate. However it is best that you have proficiency with programming languages especially in JavaScript. Proficiency in Node.Js and Front-End Frameworks such as Angular JS and React JS is highly preferred.
What if I don't have a Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering or Engineering?
You maybe able to do a Master degree in approximately 2 years. Contact us to find out more about your study options.
You could also sign up bootcamps like Hack Reactor and learn the ropes of software engineering in 4 months either in the US or online. You should also attend courses on blockchain technology and Solidity as mentioned above.
What is the duration of studies for a Computer Science or Software Engineering degree?
For Undergraduate Degrees (Bachelor) :
US: 4 years (Most US universities accepts O Level or IGCSE directly to the first year of the degree)
UK: 3 Years with Honours (Require A Level or IB equivalent or Foundation Studies in the UK)
Australia: 3 Years / 4 Years wth Honours (Require A Level or IB equivalent or Foundation Studies in the Australia)
Contact us for more information for school recommendations and application services!
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