The old adage goes that to become an expert in a field requires at least 10,000 hours of practice or experience. Reaching that level of expertise can take many years and professional fields are often crowded with others that started there earlier. With emerging markets like Web3, you have the ability to become an expert in a fraction of the time with an industry that is new and ripe with opportunity.
Usually when entering the workforce, recent college graduates work towards becoming experts in their fields. As hours accumulate, higher titles and compensation usually follow. For example, how investment banking Managing Directors will make 5–10x more than their Junior Analysts. The goal for newcomers is usually to become the next MD, grinding for 10, 15, 20 years to reach a title and level of distinction that warrants higher pay and responsibility.
However, for those wanting to go down a different, non-traditional path, Web3 offers the opportunity to go back to the chalkboard, whether you are a student or not. This new emerging market gives newcomers the ability to become an “expert” in less time simply by being early, navigating the excitement, and having less competition.
Working in Web3 means you learn alongside everyone else — making mistakes and exploring opportunities, in real-time, together. There is no textbook available as history is actively being written. Every single day becomes a lesson and in many cases, hard ones. This reinforces the adage that 1 year working in Web3 usually feels like 10 years.
Those that can brave the turbulence are rewarded. An expert-level knowledge within Web3 can be achieved within 3–5 years of experience. Meaning, hypothetically, a junior-level analyst can reach that MD title in 3–5 years as opposed to 20.
Corporations are quickly and quietly hiring those with Web3 knowledge. Every type of business is entering Web3 and needs experienced users to help them navigate this uncharted terrain. For example, this week, Covergirl, Pollo Tropical, and Nissan, filed patents in Web3, NFT, and metaverse technology. Web3 has no bounds with seemingly every sector jumping in, so they aren’t left out. This gives students and recent grads the opportunity to immerse themselves in this space, and be highly valuable to corporations that are entering into web3.
Every degree is needed, whether it’s communications, marketing, journalism, photography, dance, art, computer science or even an interdisciplinary major, there is an opportunity to get involved in Web3 and gain experience that will set you apart in the years to come.
This is something to get excited about!
Recently our team spoke with Will Burleson, Talent Partner at Up Top, one of the leaders in Web3 recruitment, to understand what companies are looking for in Web3 talent:
What are employers looking for in Web3? Specifically in new hires/students out of college?
“When you are just starting out and trying to land your first role after finishing your degree, it’s kind of tough because everyone has the same experience typically — it’s essentially a level playing field. So, anything you can do early on to grow and leverage your network, or if you’re a technical person, doing some sort of side-project related to crypto, something like that can definitely separate you from the rest of the pack.”
What is the best way to demonstrate knowledge?
“Honestly, this is very simple: be an active user and participate in the wider ecosystem.”
If you are a current student looking to gain experience, your university is a good place to start. Blockchain clubs are popping up across the country such as Columbia Blockchain, Princeton, and University of California Irvine offering amazing resources for students. These clubs provide coding courses in Solidity and Rust, partner with blockchain networks to build apps, and share job opportunities within the space. For example, FTX co-hosted events with UMN Blockchain Club.
University Departments also recognize the job opportunities Web3 provides for their students and now offer short executive degree and certificate programs. For example, The Wharton School offering the Economics of Blockchain and Digital Assets, or Cornell with their Blockchain Essentials Certificate. This is in addition to hosting employers to speak directly to students, such as USC’s Marshall school of business hosting a Blockchain Conference later this month with top leaders from across the space.
Even if you aren’t a student, a good place to start is by creating a Twitter and following top Web3 accounts such as Zeneca, Punk 6529, Ish, or CrayCreigh and then following who they follow. Go down the rabbit hole, ask questions, join Twitter Spaces, check out Discords, and participate in events. You will find endless educational resources on blockchain technology and opportunities to get involved. For example, the Secret Network hosts educational sessions for community members wanting to build on their blockchain, Vabble is hosting a Web3 Film Festival to support content creators, or a16z running a Crypto Start Up School to accelerate project founders. The opportunities in the space are seemingly endless and if you poke around enough you will surely find your community. It only takes a few hours a week to get your foot in the door and once you are in, opportunities only become easier to find.
Want to keep the conversation going? Comment your favorite Web3 resources below 👇
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