Web3 is a young evolving ecosystem and the world is embracing it at a record pace. What you can do now is to advance your Web3 career with essential skills that will get you hired, as employers in this space prefer candidates with some level of knowledge and prior experience.
Harvard Alumni Entrepreneurs reports that; A staggering 94% of surveyed Fortune 500 executives have blockchain project plans.
According to Crunchbase data, Web3 Revolution brings together everyone that is developing and investing in its cutting-edge technology; Sharing their predictions of Web3 and how it is poised to revolutionize our lives. The total amount of investment in 2022 reached more than $23 billion.
This article is for those interested in Web3 career advancement, from the curious to the experienced. We will provide you with valuable insights, strategies, and tips to help you stand out and secure your dream job in the Web3 industry.
What Is Web3 and Its Potential
Web3 development is an exciting field that builds upon Web2. Web3 represents the next generation of the internet, characterized by decentralized technologies such as blockchain, cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and decentralized applications. It offers a new paradigm that empowers individuals, removes intermediaries, and enhances security, privacy, and transparency.
89% of Fortune 500 executives believe that the next ten years of Web3 innovation will define the next 100 years of business.- Mysuncoast.
As the Web3 ecosystem continues to grow, embracing this revolution offers immense opportunities for career growth. To advance your Web3 career, it is crucial to develop a strong foundation in blockchain technology and its associated components.
4 Steps To Advancing Your Web3 Career And Become Employable
1. Get Familiar With Technical Terms
To excel in the Web3 industry, the first crucial step is to know the basic technicalities of the space. If you’re a developer, then you should have a strong foundation in technical skills as it plays a crucial role in advancing your Web3 career.
Why Getting Familiar With Technical Terms Is Vital
Increased Employability: The demand for skilled Web3 professionals is rapidly growing. By enhancing your technical knowledge, you make yourself more attractive to potential employers or clients. Demonstrating expertise opens up a wide range of Web3 career opportunities.
Competitive Advantage: The Web3 industry is highly competitive, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Employers and clients are more likely to choose candidates who possess advanced technical knowledge and hands-on experience. And as a developer, this is non-negotiable, by continuously enhancing your technical skills, you can differentiate yourself from others and stand out in a crowded job market.
Problem Solving and Innovation: Technical knowledge enables you to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation within the Web3 space. As you enhance your technical proficiency, you become better equipped to identify and implement solutions to real-world problems faced by decentralized systems.
Collaboration and Networking: Enhancing your technical knowledge allows you to engage more effectively with other professionals in the Web3 community. This collaboration not only enhances your technical knowledge further but also expands your professional network, leading to more career opportunities and valuable connections.
Key Technical Skills And Knowledge To Enhance
Learn About Web2: Before delving into Web3, it is crucial to have a strong foundation and understanding of Web2. Many tutorials assume prior knowledge of Web2 concepts, and having a few years of experience as a non-techie or developer is highly preferred in the Web3 industry.
Understand the Fundamentals of Blockchain Technology: To navigate the Web3 landscape, start by understanding the fundamentals of blockchain technology. If you are a developer or interested in any of the tech fields, familiarize yourself with concepts such as distributed ledgers, consensus mechanisms, cryptographic hashing, and decentralized storage.
Gain insights into different blockchain platforms like Ethereum, Polkadot, and Solana. Other tech Web3 skills to learn are
Solidity: The Language of Smart Contracts: Smart contracts are the backbone of decentralized applications. Solidity is a programming language specifically designed for writing smart contracts on the Ethereum platform. Mastering Solidity will empower you to create, audit, and deploy smart contracts, opening doors to various Web3 development opportunities.
Decentralized Application (dApp) Development: dApps, are at the forefront of Web3 innovation. Start exploring dApp development by building simple applications on blockchain platforms. Learn about user interfaces, back-end logic, and interactions with smart contracts.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): DeFi, is a rapidly growing sector within Web3. Educate yourself on various DeFi protocols, lending platforms, decentralized exchanges, and yield farming.
Learn Web3 Terminology: Especially if you’re in the non-tech space, to communicate effectively and demonstrate your expertise, familiarize yourself with Web3-specific terms such as fungible, non-fungible, semi-fungible, NFTs, forking, DAOs, and more. Mastering these terms and their interconnections will enhance your ability to engage in conversations and interviews confidently.
Additionally, understand Web3 Culture. Beyond the misconception that crypto enthusiasts are solely interested in quick riches, many builders and developers in the Web3 space are passionate about the social impact of decentralized technology. Educate yourself on the transformative potential of crypto and how it can reshape societies. Understanding the ethos of Web3 will make you stand out as a well-informed candidate.
While there are tech-related career opportunities in web3, Non-tech job opportunities are not left out. See our article on “How To Get Non-tech Jobs In Web3”
2. Expand Your Professional Network
In the Web3 industry, both knowledge and connections matter. Networking is a crucial aspect of advancing your Web3 career. Here's how you can expand your professional network and increase your visibility in the industry:
Join Online Communities
Engage in conversations, follow other Web3 developers, and participate actively. Utilize decentralized platforms like; Brave and Odysee. As well as popular centralized platforms including; Quora, Twitter, and LinkedIn where you can find a vibrant community of developers, including Web3 enthusiasts. Discord is another excellent platform for networking, especially within Web3 communities and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs).
Participate in Hackathons and Contribute to Open Source Projects
Hackathons and developer competitions are excellent platforms for showcasing your skills and connecting with like-minded individuals. techFiesta is an example of a hackathon platform that provides opportunities to work on innovative projects, get grants and funding opportunities, collaborate with teams, and gain recognition within the Web3 community. Leverage these experiences.
Contributing to open-source projects can be a valuable experience and may lead to job opportunities. However, be selective in choosing projects aligned with your interests. Keep in mind that open-source contributions can be challenging, and receiving guidance from other contributors might not always be easy. Therefore, this tip is more suitable for those with intermediate or advanced skills.
Attend Events and Meetups
Participate in Web3 conferences, workshops, and meetups to connect with industry experts, thought leaders, and potential employers. With Eventbrite, a global self-service ticketing platform for live experiences, you can find and attend Web3 events. Some popular Web3 events include:
Consensus is one of the largest and most well-known Web3 conferences. It is held annually in New York City and attracts thousands of attendees from around the world.
Web3 Connect allows you to meet the MetaMask Institutional (MMI) team, strengthen your organization’s understanding of the rapidly evolving Ethereum ecosystem, and learn how best to engage with DeFi and Web3.
SmartCon highlights the industry advancements that are transforming the Web3 vision into reality.
NFT.NYC is a conference that focuses on non-fungible tokens (NFTs). It is held annually in New York City and attracts thousands of attendees from around the world.
3. Showcase Your Expertise
To get hired in Web3, differentiate yourself from other candidates and capture the attention of potential employers by showcasing your expertise. Here are some strategies to consider:
Build an Impressive Portfolio
Develop a portfolio that highlights your projects, achievements, and contributions to the Web3 ecosystem. Showcase your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and creativity. Consider creating a personal website or leveraging platforms like GitHub to exhibit your work.
Work in Public
Avoid getting stuck in just watching tutorials. Actively work on projects and share your progress with your developer community. Utilize platforms like LinkedIn to share what you're building, and discuss challenges faced, and solutions implemented. Creating a blog to document your crypto journey is another excellent way to engage with the community.
Publish Thought Leadership Content
Establish yourself as a subject matter expert by publishing insightful articles, blog posts, or whitepapers related to Web3. Share your unique perspectives, research findings, and innovative ideas to position yourself as a thought leader in the industry. This will not only attract the attention of potential employers but also help you build credibility and expand your network.
Engage in Speaking Sessions
Participate in local conferences, Twitter spaces, webinars, or podcasts as a speaker or panelist. Sharing your knowledge and experiences in front of a live audience can significantly boost your visibility and establish you as an authority in the Web3 space.
Seek Collaborative Opportunities
Collaborate with established professionals, startups, or organizations within the Web3 ecosystem. By working on joint projects or partnerships, you can leverage their networks, gain valuable insights, and enhance your reputation in the industry.
4. Stay Updated with Industry Trends
The Web3 landscape is constantly evolving, and staying updated with the latest trends and advancements is essential to your success. Here are some ways to keep yourself informed:
Follow Industry Influencers
Identify influential individuals in the Web3 space and follow them on social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, or Medium. Engage with their content, participate in discussions, and absorb insights from their expertise.
Subscribe to Newsletters and Blogs
Subscribe to newsletters and blogs dedicated to Web3, blockchain, and decentralized technologies. This will ensure you receive regular updates on industry news, emerging trends, and valuable insights from industry experts.
Join Online Learning Platforms
Enroll in online learning platforms that offer courses, monthly training, mentorships and tutorials specifically tailored to the Web3 industry. EkoLance is an example of an organization that can help you advance your Web3 career and enable you to get hired. Also, decentralized platforms such as Ethereum's education portal can provide you with structured learning materials and resources.
5. Craft an Outstanding Resume and Cover Letter
Crafting a compelling resume and portfolio is essential to get hired for a Web3 job. If you possess relevant skills and experience, emphasize them prominently. However, if you're new to the industry, focus on highlighting transferable skills and experiences from other sectors. Here are some tips for crafting an outstanding application:
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experience
Tailor your resume to highlight the skills, projects, and experiences that align with the requirements of the Web3 job you're applying for.
Showcase Achievements and Contributions
Showcase accomplishments such as; successful projects, contributions to open-source initiatives, or any notable recognition you have received in the Web3 community. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate the impact of your work.
Personalize Your Cover Letter
Customize your cover letter for each application, showcasing your enthusiasm for the company and the specific role you're applying for. Explain how your skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for the position, and demonstrate your understanding of the company's goals and values
What are the Major Problems Faced by Web3 Professionals Seeking to Get Hired?
Here are four major problems faced by Web3 professionals seeking to get hired, along with some solutions:
1. Limited Job Platforms and Recruitment Channels: Since the Web3 job market is still relatively new, job seekers have limited options when it comes to job platforms and recruitment channels dedicated to Web3 positions. Traditional job search platforms may not have a comprehensive selection of Web3 roles, making it challenging to find relevant opportunities.
Solution: Exploring Specialized Platforms and Communities: Job seekers can explore specialized platforms and communities that focus specifically on Web3 roles. For example, EkoLance caters to the needs of Web2 professionals who want to build a career in Web3 and get a good-paying job. We also help Web3 professionals who would like to advance their careers and explore better opportunities. Additionally, participating in Web3-specific online communities, such as Discord and Telegram groups, can help job seekers tap into hidden job opportunities and connect with industry professionals.
2. Lack of experience: Web3 is a relatively new field, so there are not as many experienced professionals in the market as there are in other areas of tech. This can make it difficult for new Web3 professionals to find jobs, even if they have the skills and knowledge required.
Solution: One way to overcome this problem is to gain experience by working on open-source projects. This is a great way to learn new skills, build your portfolio, and network with other Web3 professionals. You can also attend conferences and meetups to meet potential employers and learn more about the industry.
3. Lack of resources: There are still relatively few resources available for learning about Web3. This can make it difficult for professionals to find the information they need to get up to speed on the latest technologies and trends.
Solution: Find a mentor who can help you learn the ropes. You can also find helpful resources online, such as blogs, forums, and tutorials. One such place you can find helpful resources is EkoLance's blog and Youtube channel. We also write monthly guides to help professionals thrive in the Web3 space. You can find them on our resources page.
4. Lack of trust: The decentralized nature of Web3 can make it difficult for businesses to trust that their data will be secure. This can be a barrier to adoption for some businesses.
Solution: Companies should use a reputable blockchain platform. These platforms have been designed to be secure and reliable, and they offer a variety of features that can help businesses to protect their data.
5. Lack of awareness: Many businesses are still not aware of the potential benefits of Web3. This can make it difficult for Web3 professionals to sell their services to businesses.
Solution: One way to overcome this problem is to educate businesses about the benefits of Web3. You can do this by writing blog posts, giving presentations, or attending industry events.
What are the Average Salaries For Job Roles in Web3?
According to industry research by Crypto Job List, Web3 developers alone typically earn an average salary of $180,000 per year. Web3.career also reported that the average salary for a non-technical role in the blockchain industry is around $80k - $135k per year. However, it's important to note that salaries can vary based on factors such as;
1. Role: The specific role you're applying for can have a significant impact on your salary expectations. For example, a community manager would earn less than a software developer.
2. Experience: Your level of experience can also influence your salary expectations. Entry-level positions may offer lower salaries, while positions that require more experience may offer higher salaries.
3. Company Size: The size of the company you're applying to can also affect salary expectations. Start-up companies with fewer resources will not be able to offer you higher salaries.
4. Location: The cost of living in the location where you live can also play a role in your salary expectations. If you live in expensive cities like San Francisco or New York, your salary will be higher.
Tip: To get a better understanding of salary expectations for specific roles, make research about job postings and salary data for your desired position. It gives you a clearer picture of what you can expect to earn and helps you negotiate a fair salary when applying for jobs in Web3.
Conclusion
Now that we have given you steps that can help you advance your Web3 career, one more important thing to consider is seeking professional guidance. While you can implement these tips independently, it can be time-consuming. Consider applying for the EkoLance mentorship program and take training courses designed to help you transition into web3, discover career opportunities and advance your Web3 career. These structured programs can expedite your learning process and increase your chances of getting hired.
To help you become a professional and advance your Web3 career, EkoLance is launching a 10-week course for people seeking a career in the blockchain ecosystem as a Smart Contract Auditor. The training will kick off on the 5th of September, 2023.
So, If you find this career path interesting then this is your chance to check our training program page and apply today as an early bird!
As a Web3 professional, you should make the most of hackathon platforms like techFiesta; the first blockchain-powered hackathon platform.
Whether you're a seasoned programmer or just a developer with a few years of experience, techFiesta is designed to provide a supportive environment where you can develop your skills, collaborate with other participants, showcase your ideas, grow your projects, get funding opportunities, and get hired by top tech companies. Join the waitlist today!
If you like this article and want to know more about blockchain jobs and career opportunities in the web3 job market, check these;
About EkoLance
EkoLance is a Web3 skill-training and recruitment company that equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the specific requirements of your preferred career in the blockchain industry. In addition to providing skill training, we partner with global tech companies in finding and hiring qualified candidates from our talent pool.
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