Building a Career in Blockchain & NFT: Tips & Practices

Published on 7 August 2023 8 min read

What is blockchain?
What are NFTs?
Potential career paths in blockchain and NFT
Required skills for a career in blockchain and NFT
How to build your network in the blockchain and NFT industry
Ways to stay updated on blockchain and NFT trends
Tips for job hunting in the blockchain and NFT industry
Best practices for working in blockchain and NFT

Are you fascinated by the digital world and always eager to learn about new technologies? If yes, then you might have heard about blockchain and NFTs. These two concepts are the latest buzz in the tech world and are offering exciting career opportunities. This blog post will guide you on how to establish successful careers in blockchain and NFT, so let's dive right in.

What is blockchain?

Imagine a ledger – like the one your grandmother might have used to keep track of her grocery expenses – but this one is digital, extremely secure, and shared across many computers around the world. That's what we call a blockchain. It's a type of database that stores information in blocks, and these blocks are chained together. As new data comes in, it is recorded into a fresh block. Once the block is filled with data, it is chained onto the previous block, forming a chain of data known as "blockchain".

But why is it so popular? Well, the magic of blockchain is that it's decentralized—meaning no single person or entity has control over the entire chain. It's transparent, so anyone in the network can track the information. It's also highly secure, thanks to complex cryptography that makes it nearly impossible to alter any information once it's been recorded. And voila, these features make blockchain the perfect technology for a variety of applications, including financial transactions, supply chain management, and yes, you guessed it right—the creation of NFTs!

So, if you're looking to start careers in blockchain and NFT, understanding the ins and outs of blockchain is your first step. Now, let's move onto NFTs and see what they're all about.

What are NFTs?

Imagine owning a one-of-a-kind piece of art—a painting, for instance—that no one else in the world has. It's unique, it's special, and it's yours. This is the concept behind NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens. While the painting can be a physical object, NFTs exist purely in the digital realm.

NFTs are digital assets that represent ownership or proof of authenticity of unique items or content. They are built using blockchain technology, which ensures that each NFT is unique and cannot be replicated. This means when you own an NFT, you have a blockchain-backed proof that you own a unique copy of a specific digital item, whether it's digital art, music, virtual real estate, or even a tweet.

Why are NFTs getting so much attention, you ask? Well, NFTs have opened up a new avenue for digital artists and creators to monetize their work in ways that were not possible before. They also offer new opportunities for collectors and investors to own, trade, and invest in digital assets. So, if careers in blockchain and NFT intrigue you, understanding NFTs is a key part of your journey.

Potential career paths in blockchain and NFT

With the rise in popularity of blockchain and NFTs, a multitude of career opportunities are popping up like daisies. Let's explore some of the fascinating careers in blockchain and NFT that you could consider:

Blockchain Developer: If you have a knack for coding, this might be the path for you. As a blockchain developer, you would be responsible for developing and optimizing blockchain protocols, crafting the architecture of blockchain systems, and designing smart contracts and web apps using blockchain technology.
NFT Artist: If you're an artist with a digital twist, consider becoming an NFT artist. This role involves creating digital artwork and selling it as NFTs. It's a great way not only to earn money but also to gain global recognition for your artwork.
Blockchain Consultant: If you're a problem-solver and a strategic thinker, you could consider a career as a blockchain consultant. You'd help businesses understand and implement blockchain technology and NFTs, and guide them on how to integrate these technologies into their existing systems.
NFT Broker: Much like a real estate broker, an NFT broker connects buyers and sellers of NFTs. You'd help artists sell their NFTs and help buyers find the right NFTs within their budget.

These are just a handful of the many exciting careers in blockchain and NFT. The field is wide open, so don't be afraid to carve out your own unique path.

Required skills for a career in blockchain and NFT

So you've got an eye on some exciting careers in blockchain and NFT, but what skills do you need to stand out from the crowd? Here's a quick overview:

Coding: This is a key skill, especially for blockchain developers. Familiarity with programming languages like Python, JavaScript, or Solidity can give you an edge.
Understanding of Blockchain Technology: No surprise here! Having a solid grasp of how blockchain works, its advantages, and its potential applications is fundamental for any blockchain-related career.
Knowledge of Cryptography: Since blockchain is all about secure transactions, understanding cryptography - the art of writing and solving codes - is a huge plus.
Digital Art Skills: For the aspiring NFT artists out there, being able to create appealing digital art is key. Skills in graphic design software like Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop can be beneficial.
Networking: Lastly, no matter which career path you choose, knowing how to connect with others in the industry is important. Being able to build and maintain professional relationships can open up new opportunities and help you stay ahead of trends.

While this isn't an exhaustive list, these skills can certainly help you make your mark in the world of blockchain and NFT. Remember, learning is a journey, not a destination. So don't worry if you're not an expert yet — just keep growing and exploring.

How to build your network in the blockchain and NFT industry

Building a network in any industry is like planting a garden — you need to sow the seeds, water them regularly, and give them the right amount of sunlight. Careers in blockchain and NFT are no different. Here's how you can grow your own professional network:

Join Online Communities: From Reddit forums to Twitter threads, there are many online communities where blockchain enthusiasts and NFT creators hang out. Participating in these spaces can help you meet like-minded individuals and learn from their experiences.
Attend Industry Events: Conferences, webinars, and meetups can provide a chance to connect with industry leaders and peers. You can also gain insights into the latest trends and advancements in the field.
Engage on Social Media: Follow professionals, companies, and influencers in the blockchain and NFT space on platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram. Engage with their posts and don't be shy to share your own thoughts and ideas.
Collaborate on Projects: Working on blockchain or NFT projects with others can not only help you improve your practical skills but also allows you to form meaningful connections with those who share your interests.

Remember, the process of networking is not just about taking, but also giving. So, aim to provide value to others, and your network will surely blossom.

Ways to stay updated on blockchain and NFT trends

Keeping up with the fast-paced world of blockchain and NFTs is like surfing — you need to stay on top of the wave, or you'll fall off. And here's how you can do that:

News Websites: Websites like CoinDesk or Cointelegraph specialize in blockchain and crypto news. They can be your daily source of the latest updates in the industry.
Podcasts and YouTube Channels: Audio and video content from experts in the field are excellent sources of information. Podcasts such as "Unchained" or YouTube channels like "Coin Bureau" can provide in-depth analysis of current trends.
Research Papers and Blogs: Academic papers, technical documents, and insights from industry leaders can help you dive deeper into specific topics. Websites like arXiv or Medium host a wealth of such resources.
Online Courses: Platforms like Coursera or Udemy offer courses on blockchain and NFT trends, allowing you to learn at your own pace and beef up your knowledge.

Don't forget that the key to truly understanding and staying updated on blockchain and NFT trends is consistent learning. It's a marathon, not a sprint, so take it one day at a time!

Tips for job hunting in the blockchain and NFT industry

So, you've made up your mind about exploring careers in blockchain and NFT. Good for you! But where do you start? Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are some tips:

Define Your Goals: Are you interested in coding and development? Or perhaps you're more into the business and strategy side of things? Identifying your interests and strengths will help you target the right roles and companies.
Build a Relevant Skill Set: Once you've identified your goals, work on acquiring the necessary skills. This could involve taking up coding classes if you're looking into development roles or studying market trends for business-oriented positions.
Start Networking: Get involved in the community. Attend industry events, join online forums, and engage in discussions. Networking can open doors to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
Customize Your Resume: Make sure your resume highlights the relevant skills and experiences for the job you're applying for. Using the right keywords can also increase your chances of passing through AI screening tools.
Stay Persistent: The job hunt can be challenging and sometimes disheartening. But remember, persistence pays off. So, keep applying, keep learning, and don't lose heart.

Remember, job hunting is a journey, not a destination. So, enjoy the process, learn from it, and before you know it, you'll land that dream job in the blockchain and NFT industry.

Best practices for working in blockchain and NFT

So, you've landed a job in the exciting world of blockchain and NFT. Congrats! But now, how do you thrive? Here are some best practices to guide you:

Embrace Continuous Learning: The blockchain and NFT space is always evolving. Stay adaptable by continuously learning and updating your skills. This could mean reading industry news, attending webinars, or taking up new courses.
Collaborate and Network: Success in this field often comes from teamwork and collaboration. Make sure to build strong relationships with your colleagues and others in the industry. These connections can provide invaluable insights and opportunities.
Stay Ethical: With great power comes great responsibility. As a blockchain professional, you'll deal with sensitive data and transactions. Always uphold strong ethical standards to maintain trust in the blockchain community.
Be Patient: Building careers in blockchain and NFT won't happen overnight. It takes time to understand the complexities of the technologies and to make significant contributions. Patience is indeed a virtue here.
Think Outside the Box: Blockchain and NFT are all about innovation. Don't be afraid to think creatively and challenge the status quo. Your unique ideas could be the next big thing in the industry!

Remember, the key to a successful career in blockchain and NFT is a blend of technical expertise, soft skills, and a passion for innovation. Keep these best practices in mind, and you'll be well on your way to making a big impact in this exciting field.

If you're excited about building a career in blockchain and NFTs and want to learn more about how to sell your creations as NFTs, don't miss the workshop 'Sell Your Creations As NFTs' by Tom Glendinning. This workshop will guide you through the process of turning your digital artwork into NFTs and help you navigate the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency. Take the leap and start monetizing your digital creations today!