Working in Blockchain: Lucrative Careers in Cutting-Edge Tech
Not only has the initial coin offering (ICO) and cryptocurrency gold rush sparked massive investment, but it is also establishing a brand new industry containing plenty of exciting new jobs.
From the obvious roles of engineers and full stack developers to the not-so-obvious ones like business strategists and content writers, here are some of the newly created cryptocurrency and blockchain careers you may want to consider:
Blockchain Engineer/Smart Contract Developer
These are the folks who create and maintain the blockchain network. A background in programming is essential, and an understanding of cryptosecurity and smart contracts is a big plus. Proficiency in C++, PHP, and Python is key, too. Demand for these roles is steadily increasing, meaning the salaries are, too. According to Howtotoken.com Founder Kirill Shilov, freelancers can earn as much as $150 per hour, and salaried employees can rake in up to $130,000 a year.
Full Stack Developer
While engineers are responsible for making sure the blockchain network runs properly, full stack developers focus on the front end, developing and maintaining a user-friendly interface that makes the blockchain securely accessible to users. Knowledge and experience of both front and back end workings are big bonuses. Potential employers will be looking for skills in relational and non-relational databases, hardware expertise, and quality assurance, plus proficiency in Javascript, C++, HTML, and PHP programming. A salaried role can net you $80,000 – $150,000 a year.
Community Manager
What’s the point in developing an innovative blockchain solution if no one uses it?
This is where community managers come in. Community managers are in charge of outreach and engagement, actively managing and interacting with user bases on social media and niche forums. Community managers ensure the right message is being sent and that the feedback of investors and users reaches the right ears. The average salary for community managers is between $46,000 and $54,000, but these people are often paid on a per-project basis.
Compliance Officer
This is an essential role, because the blockchain and cryptocurrency spheres are still developing. Rules and regulations change often, and compliance offices are there to ensure that a company’s operations conform with the relevant financial and legal stipulations. Additionally, compliance officers keep track of pending legislation and prepare the organization to comply with new laws before they come into effect.
Compliance officers generally need a background in legal and/or finance and expertise in risk management, oversight, monitoring, and combatting money laundering. The typical compliance officer salary falls in the $50,000 – $86,000 range.
ICO Advisor and Strategist
An ICO business is filled with people passionate about their innovation, but getting the project off the ground requires more than sheer excitement. These companies need to raise significant capital to fund their development.
Enter ICO advisors and strategists. They swoop in to analyze operations, core values, and objectives, and then they develop bespoke plans to see an ICO through from inception to fruition. A talented advisor stays with their client every step of the way, informing them of the next milestone in sight and how to reach it.
ICO Reviewer and Consultant
ICO reviewers and consultants generally work alongside advisors/strategists, but they take a more technical approach. A reviewer will look at all aspects of an ICO including the minimum viable product, prototypes, the team, the community, and the overall potential for growth. Then, they will use this information to create a detailed report on the operation from top to bottom, identifying areas that need strengthening and advising on how to meet critical milestones.
Content Writers
In order to assert its presence and get its message out, every ICO needs a team of talented writers to market the campaign effectively. Successful content writers are thoroughly versed in the various publishing platforms, and they know which content formats are best for accurately and clearly portraying ICO and blockchain companies in an engaging manner. Writers will also have the necessary technical knowledge to understand how blockchain works, and they’ll keep up to date on the latest industry news and regulations.
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If any of these roles speak to you, then maybe it’s time to embark on your journey into the blockchain world. Now is the time to get in on the ground floor while the industry is still developing and expanding. There’s a whole new decentralized and cashless world out there. If you are passionate about technology, this may be the sphere for you.
Radu Balas runs the ICO marketing company ICO Battle.