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Getting a job in crypto can feel like a ‘chicken or the egg’ problem. It can be hard to find a job without experience—but hard to get experience without a job. But—there’s good news: the blockchain ecosystem is an open and permissionless system, meaning you’re more in control than ever of forging your own path.
CryptoTalentStack’s #1 goal is to help you jumpstart your crypto career. Below is a curated guide we put together so you can skip the nonsense and start taking tangible steps toward your first technical crypto job:
Learn which Languages to Code
No one’s expecting you to have a degree in blockchain development. While a B.S. in Computer Science or Information Technology is typical, many crypto companies are open to less-orthodox professional backgrounds. Generally speaking, what’s most important is that you understand the fundamentals of how blockchains and decentralized applications (dApps) work.
Technical requirements:
- Programming languages
Languages such as Java, JavaScript/React, and Python are broadly helpful for blockchain application development, but the most critical distinction comes from understanding the primary language used to build smart contracts on each chain.
The most popular languages are Solidity and Rust. Ethereum and EVM (Ethereum Virtual Machine) blockchains use Solidity, while other blockchains, such as Solana and NEAR, use Rust.
Figure 1: Popular Layer 1 blockchains by programming language
Check out this amazing (and free) course on Solidity and smart contract development
2. Data structures
Essential for developing immutable and efficient systems. Includes linked lists, binary trees, heap, hashing, graphs, and more.
3. Databases & networking
Fundamental to understanding the mechanism of distributed systems.
Familiarize yourself with foundational concepts, such as the Byzantine General’s Problem and distributed consensus.
4. Cryptography
Cryptography is the foundation of everything. You don’t need to be a cryptographer, but understand fundamental concepts, such as digital signatures, hash functions, zero-knowledge proofs, Optimistic Proofs, STARKs, SNARKs, RSA algorithm, and more.
One of the most exciting emerging areas of cryptography revolves around the application of zero-knowledge proofs for both blockchain scaling and privacy applications. Start with zero-knowledge proofs
5. Web Design/Development
A core aspect of blockchain development. Will help you while developing dApps, handling APIs, etc.
Study Famous Hacks & Exploits
Sometimes the best way to learn to build is to learn how to build.
Hacks and exploits are common in crypto. With infinite mint attacks, oracle manipulations, and bridge hacks, crypto protocol attacks come in many forms.
Take a look through past exploits, deconstruct their cause(s), and learn how to build stronger, future-proof applications.
A good way to learn is to analyze existing projects and try to understand how the various components are set up. For example, is a good one because there are many on-chain and off-chain moving parts, including bots and oracles. Try to understand the project at a high level before diving in.
Exercise 1: Try to understand the most famous crypto hacks
Exercise 2: Ethernauts OpenZeppelin Puzzles
Learn Tokenomics
Understand the economic and cryptographic concepts and methodologies behind cryptocurrencies. Tokenomics must-knows include mining, transaction fees, consensus mechanisms, token distribution, block times, token burns, inflation, supply and demand, and
Cryptocurrency is just a small part of blockchain technology, but understanding how it works and its different components are crucial to understanding blockchain fundamentals.
Compile your GitHub
If you don’t have a brand name on your resume, GitHub is your resume
Have a glowing resume? Update your GitHub with your latest [and greatest, if applicable] work.
Hands-On Experience
Increase your odds of becoming a blockchain developer by actually writing smart contracts, dApps, bug fixes, etc. using these six ways:
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