Fact Sheet

How to become a blockchain developer

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AIXR Team

11 Oct 2022 | 6 min read

​​Have you ever thought about what it takes to become a blockchain developer? It’s a unique and exciting career path that is only going to become more popular in the years to come.

If you’re interested in learning more what is takes to become a blockchain developer, read on for everything you need to know.

Getting Started

The first step is to gain a solid understanding of the basics of blockchain technology. You can do this by reading books, articles, and tutorials on the subject. In due time, once you have a good grasp of the fundamentals, you can begin to learn more about the different types of blockchain platforms.

There are many different blockchain platforms out there, each with its own set of features and capabilities. Chiefly, the most popular platforms include Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Hyperledger. You need to be well-versed in one or more of these platforms to become a blockchain developer.

But, the best way to learn about a platform? You need to use it. Many platforms have developer sandboxes that you can use to experiment with building blockchain applications. You have all the tools and resources you need to get started in these sandboxes.

In addition to learning about the different blockchain platforms, you should also gain a solid understanding of the programming languages used to develop blockchain applications.

The most popular languages for blockchain development are:

  • Solidity
  • Rust
  • Vyper
  • Javascript
  • Python

Making Use of AIXR’s Platform

AIXR is a great resource for blockchain developers of all levels of experience. Significantly, the platform offers a variety of resources that can help you in your journey to becoming a blockchain developer.

One of the most helpful resources on AIXR is the Industry Directory. This directory is a great way to connect with other blockchain developers and find job opportunities.

Undeniably, the directory is also a great way to find mentors.

If you’re just getting started in your career as a blockchain developer, finding a mentor can be invaluable. In truth, a mentor can help you learn the ropes, help you avoid making common mistakes and rapidly accelerate your career options.

If you’re looking for educational resources, AIXR’s insights is a great place to start. The blog features articles on a variety of topics related to blockchain development. You can also find a wealth of resources in the platform’s resource library for free.

Recommended Education Paths

There are many different education paths you can take to become a blockchain developer. The best way to learn the skills you need is to get a degree in computer science or a related field.

However…

…if you don’t have the time or resources to get a degree, there are other options. There are many online courses that can teach you the skills you need to be a successful blockchain developer.

On the whole, look out for educational content that informs you about:

  • Non Fungible Tokens (NFTs)
  • Fungible Tokens (Crypto)
  • Blockchains (L1)
  • Decentralized autonomous organization (DAOs)
  • Decentralized Finance (DeFi)
  • Decentralized Applications (DApps)

In addition to formal education, it’s also important to stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the blockchain industry. The best way to do this is to attend conferences and meetups. These events are a great way to network with other developers and learn about new technologies.

Challenges of becoming a blockchain developer

While becoming a blockchain developer can be a very rewarding career, it’s not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges is how fast the technology in this space moves and the volitarity of cryptocurrencies / tokens.

The blockchain industry is constantly evolving, and new platforms and technologies are being developed all the time. As a blockchain developer, it’s important to keep up with these changes and learn about new platforms and technologies as they emerge.

Another challenge of this career?

Finding the right job.

While the demand for blockchain developers is increasing dramatically, the supply is still relatively low. Very skilled jobs have a lot of competition.

To stand out from the crowd, it’s important to have a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and experience. Additionally, you can also make yourself more attractive to potential employers by getting involved in the blockchain community, writing your own demo applications and attending industry events.

Benefits of This Career

Despite the challenges, there are also many benefits to pursuing a career as a blockchain developer. One of the biggest benefits is the salary.

Blockchain developers are in high demand, and they command a high salary. According to Glassdoor, the average salary for an entry level blockchain developer in the United States is $105,843 per year.

Another benefit of this career?

The opportunity to work on truely cutting-edge technologies. As a blockchain developer, you’ll have the chance to work on some of the most innovative and exciting technologies in the world.

You’ll also have the opportunity to work with a variety of different companies and organizations. As a blockchain developer, you could work with startups, enterprises, and government organizations.

The Different Types of Career Paths

There are many different types of career paths you can take as a blockchain developer. In particular, The type of career you pursue will depend on your skills, experience, and interests.

Firstly, you could become a platform developer. Platform developers create and maintain blockchain platforms. In most cases this type of work requires a strong understanding of the different blockchain platforms and the ability to write code.

Another option is to become a dapp developer. Dapp developers create decentralized applications (dapps) that run on blockchain platforms. This type of work requires a strong understanding of the different blockchain platforms and the ability to write code.

Knowledgeable people in this sector come at a premium so becoming a blockchain consultant is another option.

Blockchain consultants help organizations to understand and use blockchain technology. This type of work requires a strong understanding of the different blockchain platforms and the ability to communicate complex concepts to non-technical audiences.

How to stand out as a blockchain engineer

When applying for jobs, it’s important to stand out from the crowd. There are a few things you can do to make your application stand out.

  • First, make sure your resume is up-to-date and highlights your skills and experience. Correspondingly, AIXR always advises to choose a small selection of companies you wish to work for, so you can spend time optimizing your CV for that company’s needs. (Think quality over quantity.)
  • Third, make sure your online presence is professional. Potential employers will likely Google you, so make sure your social media profiles are up-to-date and present a positive image. When working freelance some Web3 companies operate differently than traditional companies and may not need to know your real identity, however they will still need to see an online presence from you that reflects your skills.
  • Finally, don’t forget to network. Attend industry events and meetups, and get involved in the blockchain community. These activities will make you more visible to potential employers and help you to stand out from the crowd.

Your future career paths

The future of this career path is very bright. The demand for blockchain developers is increasing, and the salaries are very attractive.

In addition, the blockchain industry is still in its early stages (which means there is a lot of room for growth!) As the industry matures, there will be more opportunities for blockchain developers to advance their careers.

So…

If you’re interested, why not become a blockchain developer today!

Now is the time to get started.

With the right skills and experience, you can have a very successful career in this exciting industry.

About the author:

AIXR is an independent, community first, not for profit organisation that exists to support individuals and companies of all sizes as the International trade body for immersive technology industries. AIXR or, The Academy of International Extended Reality, hosts the VR Awards annually. AIXR’s mission is to support individuals and companies in the immersive industry by endorsing, inspiring, and enabling innovators through removing barriers to entry and connecting a diverse collection of trades together.