What Kinds Of Crypto-Related Jobs Are Out There?
From developers to project managers to miners to data scientists, there's a broad spectrum of jobs available in the cryptocurrency business. There are even specific job search sites featuring these postings now, such as CryptocurrencyJobs.com. Some roles merely incorporate blockchain technology; others focus on it.
Cryptocurrency analysts design investment strategies. Blockchain developers use blockchain technology to implement solutions for their companies. Mining technicians assemble, run, and maintain the "rigs" that mine cryptocurrencies. There are crypto-focused jobs for traders, sales associates, reporters, DevOps engineers, consultants, technical product managers, and more. Even a few internships are available.
These jobs may entail working with a currency that's already been built, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum--or they may be an ICO (Initial Coin Offering) project where team members build an entirely new currency using blockchain.
Taking a course like Princeton's Bitcoin and Cryptocurrency Technologies on Coursera is a good place to start.
Debating what kind of company you'd like to work at? According to AngelList, cryptocurrency startups are hiring in record numbers due to the massive amounts of funding they are acquiring. Another cool perk: if you end up working on an ICO, you'll probably receive some coins as a form of "equity" in the project in addition to your salary.
Bitcoin was invented in 2008, which means it's coming up on its 10th anniversary next year. Since it doesn't seem to be going away, now might just be the perfect time to embrace the new career opportunities the crypto world has to offer.
Laurence Bradford is a product manager at Teachable, an EdTech enthusiast, and the creator of Learn to Code With Me, a blog and podcast helping self-taught coders get ahead in their lives + careers.
1. Bitcoin (US $ 10,679,441,067)
2. Ethereum (US $ 942,753,324)
3. Steem (US $ 258,221,347)
4. Ripple (US $ 230,744,165)
5. Litecoin (US $ 194,820,861)
6. The DAO (US $128,420,895)
7. NEM (US $ 69,198,570)
8. Dash (US $ 54,551,120)
9. MaidSafeCoin (US $ 34,184,859)
10. Lisk (US$ 32,106,000)
There are four ways to get coins:
1. Mining / forging rewards
2. Trading on a coin exchange
3. Buying with a credit card
4. Using a third-party conversion service