How to Become a Blockchain Specialist and Where is the Profession Required?

Bitcoin and Blockchain-related jobs are becoming increasingly popular today. That’s why the issue of a relevant education is becoming a topic of interest as well.

No one would argue that bitcoin and blockchain are becoming more and more widespread today. There are new solutions, new fields and new inventions applying the technology, and thereby, creating the need for professional developers, market specialists and many others. 

As the industry is quite young, there has been a lack of experienced and educated specialists in the field, as it was simply impossible to obtain the relevant education anywhere. The leading cryptocurrency and blockchain professionals known to us at present are self-educated, driven by passion and enthusiasm for their work. 

Education is not a Problem, but What is it Needed For? 

Over the course of time, leading education establishments of the world have realised the need for blockchain and cryptocurrency related courses, so now it is not so difficult to obtain an education and become a real professional in the sphere. 

For example, you may study at Princeton University, Duke University,Stanford University,Berkley, The University of Cumbria, IT University of Copenhagen, B9lab Academy etc. This list is far from exhaustive. There is even the Blockchain Academy - a specialized education establishment based in Cape Town providing both full-time and online education on blockchain technology. 

As we may see, there is no problem in obtaining an education at a credible university, which would make you a credible specialist at once, but what is the use of such education. For it is not enough to get a certificate, you would need to get a job to earn your living. 

Fortunately, job offers are plenty to provide enough choice. A fresh blockchain specialist may get a job at Blockchain startups and consortiums, large tech firms, banks and other private sector firms, professional services firms or even the government. They seek blockchain developers, research analysts, consultants, product managers and many other specialists. 

The salaries vary considerably. In the UK, a blockchain specialist may earn £40-60k. Large companies are willing to pay £100,000 - £150,000 to the experienced professional. In Russia, an expertise in cryptocurrency or blockchain may raise your wages by 25% from the average rate.

A Recipe from Ian Balina 

The education opportunities are plenty. However, one may become a blockchain or cryptocurrency specialist without a university. All you need is the desire to learn. 

Ian Balina, a cryptocurrency investor, serial entrepreneur, author, and filmmaker, has his own recipe of how to become an expert, which he shared at Quora:

1. Read up on Bitcoin and Blockchain Wikipedia articles
2. Read a book on Bitcoin and Blockchain; I highly recommend “Digital Gold: Bitcoin and the Inside Story of the Misfits and Millionaires Trying to Reinvent Money” by Nathaniel Popper
3. Invest in Bitcoin and altcoins and actively follow them
4. Every month, attend at least one local meetup or event on Bitcoin and Blockchain in your area and network with the community
5. Join a Bitcoin/Blockchain related project
   a. If you’re looking to become a technical expert, then definitely look at the open source code and become a contributor
   b. If you’re looking to be a non-technical expert, become a writer or blogger on Bitcoin and Blockchain related topics
6. Attend large annual Bitcoin and Blockchain conferences
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6 for at least two years, and then you will be credible enough to be a Bitcoin and Blockchain expert.
8. Once an expert, you could do the following:
   a. Start your own Bitcoin or Blockchain related startup
   b. Start a consulting or software company on Bitcoin or Blockchain
   c. Write a book on Bitcoin or Blockchain

It is up to you to choose your way of becoming a blockchain or cryptocurrency expert, for no one will argue the industry brings many opportunities and prospects. However, no education will help you gain true expertise if you have no passion and enthusiasm for what you do. 

How did you become a bitcoin and blockchain expert? Feel free to share your personal story of success in the comments below!