What Skills are Needed for a Web3 Job?

Throughout history, technology and the internet have run parallel to each other in their advancements. Breakthroughs in computer science continue to allow the internet to evolve and develop into the future. Originally, the internet simply allowed information to be listed on pages that were accessible but not interactive. Then came along Web2, which allowed users to interact with websites. Both these leaps in internet capabilities changed the world in significant ways. Web3 is the next step in this evolution.

More and more companies working with distributed systems

While some might be sceptical about aspects of a Web3 world, there is no doubt that Web3 will push humanity forward in new and exciting directions. As a result, companies and businesses are adapting, increasingly needing to fill jobs that allow them to keep up with the fast-paced evolution of computing, website development, and block-chain technology.

Web3 jobs are skyrocketing in demand, though they require particular skills that are unique to the Web3 world. As a result, many companies find they have limited candidates applying for these exciting new jobs of the future. With buzz words such as NFT or crypto boosting Web3’s popularity, it’s all very enticing and has people racing to become web developers or software engineers.

The allure…

There’s also the allure of flexible and remote Web3 jobs out there, which are popular in the industry and have job seekers imaging a lifestyle of travel and freedom. So, many are left wondering how they can get in on the action. Well, we’re here to help you land your dream Web3 job. Read on to gain a clear understanding of the key skills you’ll need if you go pursuing Web3 jobs.

What is Web3?

You might simply be enticed by the shiny newness of the Web3 world, or perhaps you just don’t want to miss out on the endless job prospects. However, before you invest chunks of your time learning new skills, let’s run through exactly what Web3 is and see if you’re still interested. Web3, commonly known as the decentralized web, is the most recent evolution of the internet. This ‘next step’ has been made possible primarily by the development of blockchain technology services and applications, or ‘distributed ledger technology’.

With Web3 we have seen the evolution of crypto currencies, the metaverse, non-fungible tokens, the semantic web, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. All of these technological advancements and endeavours are value adding to the world in ways that the human race, companies, and businesses will feel more and more prominently in the not-too-distant future.

How Web3 will push humanity forward

It is likely that the technologies growing off of Web3 will change computing, business, the way we learn, relationships, the international community and even all of humanity, forever. It will take humanity to a place where creating technologies that make our lives easier, more connected and impactful will become faster and easier, pushing humanity forward into a new era.

Web3 job demand

Unsurprisingly, good candidates with the right skills are in high demand for Web3 jobs. Companies are making them lucrative with flexible options. Roles range from full time to casual, individual and team based, or on site and even remote Web3 jobs.

Big ol’ pay packets…

With that demand there has also been a steep increase in salaries within the field of Web3. Pay packets can be expected between 100k – 150k a year for even entry level positions, sometimes even reaching as high as the 100k – 200k a year bracket. Some jobs even offer their bonuses paid in crypto. Even remote Web3 jobs can pay at these levels.

This demand doesn’t mean that companies are cutting corners with their hiring of new staff, however. Building technological platforms, writing javascript code, trying to navigate the use of blockchain technology to build a metaverse – these are highly skilled jobs that no company can afford cutting corners with.

Types of Web3 jobs

If you’re deciding what job you want in Web3, well, you’re going to be spoiled for choice. From engineers to developers, building the web technology of the future isn’t short of roles to be filled. Some Web3 jobs you could expect to come across on job listings are:

• UI/UX Designer
• Blockchain Developer
• Community Manager
• Solidity Developer
• Blockchain Engineer

Each of these jobs requires a range of skills, passion, creativity, know-how and resources. If there is one key attribute that companies would look for in Web3 jobs candidates, it would be that they are responsible. This is because Web3 technology like artificial intelligence can have far reaching impacts that could affect billions of people. This is no small responsibility. Heavy weighs the crown.

Remote Web3 jobs

One of the benefits about Web3 employment is the ability to jump into remote Web3 jobs. As long as you have remote access to technology and the internet, getting stuck into a role on a remote basis is something strongly facilitated in the world of Web3.

Start-ups are known for their pioneering work conditions, and sincere consideration of a need or want to work remote is part of that. For example, this could mean living in your home state of Seattle while working for a company in Singapore, or even travelling to different locations around the world.

You could travel Europe as you code JavaScript for international companies. Wouldn’t that be nice? 100k a year sipping a pina colada on a beach in Europe… sigh… sorry, where were we?

Skills required to work in the Web3 world

To land a position in the world of Web3, there are a number of skills you’ll need. They will vary depending on roles, but this is a list of those key ones that recruiters look for when hiring for Web3 companies.

Yes, you will need to be able to define more than just the term ‘crypto’ before you find job offers landing in your inbox. Without further ado, let’s jump in.

Soft skills

Firstly, don’t go thinking that soft skills are absent from Web3 jobs. You might be imagining a glaring screen and massive amounts of blue light as individuals in collared shirts hunch over keyboards while adjusting their glasses, never being required to speak to anyone but the computer. This couldn’t be further from the truth. A range of soft skills are essential to Web3 jobs.

Communication

You’ll need to be able to communicate clearly and effectively, whether it be with colleagues, other companies, or the community as you roll out your technology. Building relationships is a major part of any Web3 jobs. You’ll also likely join a strong team that work together to solve problems. Even in remote Web3 jobs you’ll need effective communication, perhaps even more so. You’ll likely be joining zoom meetings on the reg.

Teamwork

Speaking of teams and relationships, you’ll need to be able to play as part of a team. This means you need to be able to support others as they support you. To join a team means you take on a responsibility to enable others to do the best work they can do.

If you can do this effectively, then you’ll receive the same collegial leg up in return. Companies know that this kind of teamwork speeds up development and so they are massive on it. If you’re lacking in them, then work on your people skills.

Dynamic and fast-paced

Web3 jobs require you to be able to navigate a fast-paced environment while you maintain a consistent and level-headed work ethic. Sure, a company can make the job as cushy as possible but they’re likely doing this because they know the job is fast-paced and so want you to feel supported and remain effective in the role.

Technology is developing fast, and so you will need to as well. Remote Web3 jobs will require the same fast-paced navigation, don’t underestimate them just because you could be on the coast of Spain while you work.

Hard technology skills

Secondly, a range of hard tech skills will be required if you’re to head into Web3 jobs. These are the skills that allow you to actually complete the technical tasks that are set for you. We don’t want to overwhelm you at this point so, let’s simply run through the key hard tech skills required of Web3 jobs as a starting point.

Blockchain technology and distributed systems

Okay, this is an absolute key one. You’ll need to understand blockchain tech and the role it plays in Web3. You can’t be jumping on a Google search for ‘what is blockchain tech’ on the first day of your new job. We can promise you; you won’t last long if you do. Blockchain tech is essentially what powers Web3 and so is a main reason for Web3 jobs existing. You’ll likely need to work closely with the blockchain as you develop platforms on it.

Ethereum

Ah yes, the good ol’ Ethereum. Don’t underestimate the necessity of this one as ‘just another crypto’. The Ethereum blockchain hosts a range of applications and many web engineers build off of it in their production of innovative technology and technological practices.

Yes, it’s a crypto project, but it’s also something you’ll likely need to learn about fairly in depth. Ethereum currently provides the best experience for companies wishing to build off of blockchain tech, so get familiar with it.

Smart contracts

Excuse the dad jokes but it would be smart to get to know smart contracts… like the back of your hand. These are essentially code that automatically execute to record the interaction between two parties. They’re a form of automated documentation on the blockchain. They are massive in the non-fungible token world and for decentralized autonomous organizations.

The reason for their popularity is in their security and the fact they don’t require anyone sitting there signing forms. They can run automatically ensuring there is documentation of a transaction or contract. We’d really suggest you learn more about them if you want to pursue Web3 jobs.

Solidity

In the Web3 world, you’ll at least want to be familiar with Solidity. Solidity is the primary coding language of the Web3 universe and so, if you want to secure a position in Web3 jobs, you might want to learn how to speak at least some of it.

Creating state of the art applications will require it, as you give them a roadmap of instructions to execute in their functioning. It’s advanced and for good reason. Many breakthroughs in the internet world can be linked back to Solidity code.

Non-fungible tokens

Non-fungible tokens are a huge driving force behind Web3 and play a central role as a skill required for Web3 jobs. They are being utilized all around the world by businesses. Their growth can be seen in social media insights, with a sharp increase in the term ‘NFT’ being mentioned in a modern Facebook, Twitter or Instagram post from big businesses and individuals.

Decentralized finance

One day in the not-too-distant future, it’s going to be hard to find a company that doesn’t use decentralized finance. Even us individuals are going to be partaking as the uptake of crypto increases. For a job in Web3, you’ll need to be able to show that you know what decentralized finance is, how it works, and how its beneficial to humanity post centralized banking.

The opportunities are out there

Alright, you know what’s required, so what’s stopping you from reaching out and seizing one of those Web3 jobs? The key is to be proactive. Subscribe to websites, blogs, YouTube channels – whatever will help you learn the skills we’ve listed above. In case you’ve been wondering, we’re not advising you to go purchasing monolithic textbooks in your quest to develop these skills required for Web3 jobs.

Search online and you’ll likely find all the resources you need to learn the skills required for a Web3 position. Stay positive – don’t subscribe to the naysayers who might shoot you down for your new endeavour. When you’re potentially earning 100k – 200k a year with a nice bonus, they might be a little more positive.

Who might employ you?… Protocol Labs?

There are a range of companies looking to fill Web3 roles. Some of them are well known, some lesser so. With the right skills you could find yourself working jobs for Meta or organisations like Protocol labs.

Protocol labs is an open-source lab that focuses on building tools, services and protocols that radically transform the internet. Imagine landing a position with that kind of job description. With the right skills, your chances of landing jobs with companies like this don’t have to be remote.

The search begins

As you begin to explore the the market and seek Web3 jobs, be proactive about it. Don’t just subscribe to some job alert and sit back waiting. Post to job boards, get in touch directly with a company, position yourself to get noticed by a team.

Find people from your old company who can advocate for your soft and hard skills, getting them to write references for you. That dream remote or full-time Web3 job isn’t going to happen overnight, but you can speed up the process by being proactive.

Whether it’s on site, or remote web3 jobs you’re looking for… whether its full-time, in your home state, Europe or Singapore… we wish you the very best of luck in your search for a Web3 job.