The Future Of Blockchain 3: How To Cultivate Blockchain-Related Skills

Published August 5, 2023

The demand for blockchain technology, such as NFTs, the Metaverse, and the appearance of digital currency, is on an upward trend annually. On the other hand, the lack of well-rounded engineers hinders blockchain development and implementation. In plain English, in case you have a firm ground knowledge of blockchain development skills, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that your value will be highly appreciated.

Therefore, in this article, we will give you an overview of accumulating and cultivating blockchain-related skills, necessary technologies, and qualifications.

The High Demand for Blockchain-related Skills

Blockchain, which has gained popularity as a foundation for cryptographic assets, is now expanding its applications not only in the financial field but also in logistics, distribution, manufacturing, health care, real estate, government, etc. The reason for this is that blockchain is an excellent system backed by advanced technology and mechanisms that are highly reliable, secure, non-falsifiable, and quick.

However, due to its peculiarity, the current situation is that there is a large shortage of qualified blockchain engineers to meet the needs. Therefore, it can be said that the significance of acquiring blockchain-related skills is very high.

Blockchain-related Skills 1: Understanding Cryptography

Let’s take a closer look at what kind of blockchain-related skills are required.

Initially, you need to have a firm grasp of cryptographic technology, which is the core component to making blockchain secure.

Specifically, you need to consolidate your knowledge of hash functions that prevent data tampering, public key cryptography, and digital signatures essential for keeping communication data confidential, multi-sig, and pseudo-random number generators in smart contracts.

Blockchain-related Skills 2: Understanding the Mechanism

Not only is cryptographic technology required, but it is also necessary to understand how blockchains work.

All nodes are connected one-to-one by P2P, and consensus is formed as a whole so that all these nodes share the same data.

With blockchain, sometimes you can’t see the other person’s face at all, and you don’t know who they are. Of course, there is a good chance that an untrustworthy partner is lurking. However, it goes without saying that if the validity of transactions and the authenticity of data cannot be guaranteed, the system will not function. What is essential for this is consensus building, which is called a consensus algorithm.

There are multiple methods, such as PoW (Proof of Work) represented by Bitcoin, PoS (Proof of Stake) represented by Ethereum, Endorse + Ordering Service used in Hyperledger Fabric, etc.

It is also important to understand the smart contracts required to create Dapps. A smart contract is a mechanism that automatically executes a contract according to a program, which makes it possible to give various functions to the blockchain.

Blockchain-related Skills 3: Programming Languages

A final related skill that is essential is learning a programming language.

Specifically, C++ is used to develop Bitcoin, Go language is used to implement client software “Go Ethereum” provided by Ethereum, and blockchain is used to implement blockchain on the web. JavaScript and Solidity, which are used to develop smart contracts, are the main ones.

Neither of them is a new nor special language, and they are already familiar with development sites and relatively easy to master, so if you can learn them as required, blockchain development will become familiar.

Blockchain-related Qualifications

Let us introduce two qualifications that are effective for acquiring blockchain skills.

Cryptocurrency Skill Test

It is implemented by the Japan Cryptocurrency Skills Certification Association (JCCA). It will be a form of taking the exam after attending the prescribed course. Mechanisms, laws, and business uses of crypto assets and blockchain.

You will be able to objectively prove that you have such knowledge.

It is divided into three levels: the beginner level “Cryptocurrency Advisor”, the advanced “Certified Cryptocurrency Skills Advisor”, and the highest level “Certified Cryptocurrency Skills Advanced Advisor”. Beginners and advanced levels can be obtained by taking courses for a fee, taking online exams, oral exams, etc. The highest grade is premised on obtaining a cryptocurrency advisor qualification and accumulating a certain activity record.

Applied Information Engineer Examination

It is an examination sponsored by the Information-technology Promotion Agency and is held twice a year, in spring and autumn.

This is a highly difficult qualification for those who aim to become highly skilled IT personnel who are familiar with the planning of information strategies, the realization of IT solutions, and the development, operation, and maintenance of information systems, databases, and networks. It’s a tough exam lasting 5 hours, 150 minutes in the morning and 150 minutes in the afternoon.

How to Accumulate and Cultivate Blockchain-related Skills

Programming School/Mentors

Blockchain skills require not only programming language but also a lot of learning, such as intensifying your understanding of the blockchain mechanism and acquiring software development skills. Therefore, a programming school where you can go to school or a mentor who comes to your home and teaches you is easy to maintain motivation, and you can ask questions to the instructor on the spot, which will be a great advantage.

MITxPRO Professional Certificate in Coding (Full-Time): You can choose between attending part-time and full-time courses. Because of the custom-made curriculum, it is possible to learn according to the progress. In the case of online, in addition to mentoring once a week, you can consult and ask questions via chat or video call, so even beginners can feel at ease.
Tech Teacher: A great advantage is that you can study at your own pace according to a custom-made curriculum that matches your level and proficiency. The instructor will come directly to your home and you can ask questions on the spot if you don’t understand something, so your understanding will increase considerably. You will be charged for the time you receive instruction, and you will also need to pay for transportation from the instructor’s residence to your home.

Online Course

Currently, most schools where you can learn blockchain are online classes. The location and time are flexible, and the cost is affordable, so it is recommended for busy business man or office workers and students, but if you do not have a strong will, it may be difficult to complete the course. However, if you choose a one-on-one format, it will be effective in maintaining motivation.

Coursera: Coursera is the most prevalent learning management system which covers a wide range of knowledge in various fields. Especially, a huge amount of organizations and top-notch universities provide blockchain-related courses from beginner to specialization.

Self-study with Books

In theory, it is possible to learn blockchain-related skills from books. However, learning from scratch requires a strong will and takes time to learn, so the risk of setbacks is high.

“Blockchain Revolution: How the Technology Behind Bitcoin and Other Cryptocurrencies Is Changing the World” Don Tapscott and blockchain expert Alex Tapscott

Don and Alex Tapscott, the authors of “Blockchain Revolution” clearly explain how Blockchain technology works, how it will scale in the future, and transform everything completely online.

This book also explains the different ways blockchain technology is changing the future of transactions, money, and business.

Don Tapscott, the best-selling author of “Wikinomics,” and his son Alex Tapscott, a blockchain expert, showcased a well-researched fundamental book on the future of the economy.

This is considered a pastime for business leaders for the next decade and beyond. According to Tapscott, this technology will enhance the provision of expanded financial services, protection of personally identifiable information, and personal and business contracts.

“Blockchain: Down The Rabbit Hole: (Discover The Power Of The Blockchain)” by Tim Lea

It is recommended for engineers with development experience because it not only provides a detailed understanding of how blockchain works but also explains practical examples with specific examples.

“Introduction to Blockchain Technology: Theory and Practice” by Shigeichiro Yamazaki, Kodansha

It covers everything you need to know about blockchain from basic technology to application and business use, making it the perfect textbook for engineers who want to learn in earnest. It is divided into 15 chapters according to the theme, and there are plenty of easy-to-understand illustrations, so you can study without hesitation.

Summary

It is undeniable that the demand for skilled blockchain engineers will be on the rise in the future. If you grasp the chance and equip yourself with professional skills and knowledge, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that you obtain a better salary and career path than the people jostling with you in the queue for sought-after jobs. So why postpone it? Let’s start your career immediately.

Relipa has a large number of engineers who have mastered the blockchain skills introduced in this article at a high level and have extensive development experience. If you have any requests for blockchain development, please feel free to contact us.

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