As the Web3 industry expands and reaches different parts of our daily lives, the number of vacant positions for entry-level Web3 jobs steadily increases. Blockchain specialists are in high demand. Whether you want to be a developer or work in non-tech roles, you need a solid understanding of the basic concepts in Web3. However, the specific skills you need to gain employment in Web3 depend on what roles you want to apply for. Nonetheless, the thriving Web3 industry is full of job opportunities for those with desirable attributes. Plus, many roles are pretty well-paid!
In this article, we will explore the skills you need for entry-level Web3 jobs. We’ll discuss the areas you need to focus on to gain employment for both technical and non-technical roles. Plus, we’ll consider some of the best ways to get the skills you need to be successful in the Web3 job market. Furthermore, we’ll explore some of the different tools and resources available to help you throughout your Web3 journey.
Skills You Need for Entry-Level Web3 Jobs
The skills you need for entry-level Web3 jobs vary depending on what roles you want to apply for. Naturally, as a developer, you’ll need to know how to write code in different languages. Also, you must be familiar with specific tools for the things you’re helping to build. Likewise, a writer must possess excellent grammar skills and, preferably, copywriting skills, and as a salesperson, you must be effective at closing deals. Nonetheless, a prerequisite for all entry-level Web3 jobs is understanding decentralized technologies and their broader social impact. Below, we break down some of the different types of jobs in Web3. Plus, we look at the skills needed to apply and get hired successfully.
Web3 Developer Jobs
To become a Web3 developer, you’ll likely need a firm understanding of mathematics and computer science. If you’re already a developer in Web2 and want to know where to start to become a Web3 developer, it’s worth taking the time to explore blockchain and smart contracts. Also, Web3 developers must have keen problem-solving and communication skills.
Once you understand the fundamentals of blockchain, take the time to compare the differences between Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other blockchain and layer-2 networks. Bitcoin is the number one cryptocurrency by market cap. However, Ethereum is the number one smart contract blockchain and is at the heart of the Web3 movement. Hence, understanding how Ethereum works and how it differs from Bitcoin is essential for any Web3 developer. Also, if you want to start building smart contracts on Ethereum, you can do so using the Solidity programming language.
From here, you’re going to need to learn about the basics of frontend development. JavaScript is often the go-to programming language for frontend development. You should consider some popular frameworks for JavaScript development, such as Angular, React, and Vue. It’s also worth looking at classes, functions, and variables. From here, you may want to familiarize yourself with CSS and HTML. Additionally, you may want to familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of Web2 backend development using NodeJS.
Smart Contracts and Decentralized Applications (Dapps)
Understanding how smart contracts work and being able to create them is essential for any Web3 developer. Smart contracts are immutable automated agreements that live on the blockchain. They’re similar to JavaScript classes and create the foundations of the Web3 landscape. Moreover, Solidity is the go-to programming language for Ethereum smart contract developers. Also, Solidity is a high-level, object-oriented programming language created specifically for building smart contracts.
If your goal is to work with smart contracts on Ethereum, you will likely need to familiarize yourself with Solidity. The best way to do this is to get building and try to create your own decentralized applications (dapps).
Check out the Web3 Dapp Programming course at Moralis Academy. This course is perfect for anyone looking to begin building their Web3 development portfolio. Plus, it’s the ideal starting point for any Web2 developers looking to move into Web3. Join our community of over 60,000 students and take your programming game to the next level with Moralis Academy!
Connection and Integration
Once you know how to build smart contracts, you’re going to need to learn how to deploy them on the blockchain and connect them to other parts of the Web3 ecosystem. Two of the most common tools for achieving this are Web3.js and ether.js. Both Web3.js and ether.js are JavaScript libraries. Ethereum Foundation created the open-source library, Web3.js, which facilitates interactions with Ethereum nodes via JSON-RPC. On the other hand, ether.js features utility scripts you’ll find in JavaScript and TypeScript. Also, ether.js is open-source via an MIT license and supports Ethereum wallet interactions.
Developer Tools
When it comes to testing and deploying smart contracts, Truffle is one of the most popular tools of choice for Web3 developers, as it allows them to compile smart contracts using frontend code. Truffle also features in Ganache, which serves as a replica blockchain with “test” accounts. Furthermore, you’ll likely need to familiarize yourself with APIs. Moreover, Moralis APIs cover everything from NFTs, Solana, multi-chain EVM, blockchain data, and token data. What’s more, they save you loads of time so you can focus on creating unique user experiences and get your product to market quickly.
Remix is another useful tool for Web3 developers. The browser-based integrated development environment (IDE) was built specifically for Ethereum smart contract developers writing with Solidity. Plus, it allows users to test their code and redeploy smart contracts. If Remix doesn’t quite cover everything you need, see if Hardhat has it. Hardhat allows you to debug your code and simplifies the smart contract deployment process.
Moreover, as a Web3 developer, you’ll need to be familiar with Web3 authentication. Web3 authentication allows users to connect their crypto wallets to dapps in order to gain access to their on-chain services. This includes buying and selling cryptocurrencies and NFTs, participating in on-chain governance, playing Web3 gaming applications, and interacting with DeFi protocols. Further, Web3 authentication can be time-consuming. So, if you’re looking for a reliable tool that takes care of the backend and lets you implement it using just a few lines of code, check out the Moralis Web3 Auth API.
Other Considerations
So, if you’re up to speed on blockchain, NFTs, dapps, and smart contracts, there are a few other things to consider if you want to excel in your career as a Web3 developer. Learning how to use Solidity and JavaScript is a great starting point. However, you may want to look at some of the other programming languages available. Other popular languages for Web3 development include C++, Python, Go, and Rust. Rust developers are among the highest paid in Web3, so having a versatile skill set is usually rewarding.
Furthermore, you’re going to need a firm understanding of algorithms, cryptography, data science methodologies, and data structures. You’ll also benefit from having solid analytical and communication skills if you want to become a successful Web3 developer. Moreover, having an idea of the types of applications you want to build will help you identify the specific skills you need to achieve your goals and help you to narrow your search when learning.
Learn how to make a Web3 website today with Moralis Academy!
Non-Developer Jobs
Now that we’ve covered the skills you’ll need to become a Web3 developer, let’s consider some skills a non-developer needs to gain employment in Web3. As a non-developer, you’ll be expected to have a firm understanding of the various concepts under the Web3 umbrella. This includes blockchain, cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs). You’ll also need to stay up-to-date with the latest events and trends in the Web3 space and be able to talk comfortably about your subject. Naturally, the more you understand, the better. Nonetheless, you don’t need to be a computer scientist to understand the key value propositions of decentralized technologies.
Furthermore, as a non-developer, you have many opportunities in Web3. Web3 companies often seek experience in traditional roles, making any universal skill set applicable. For example, most Web3 companies need managers, human resources operatives, sales associates, writers, and marketing specialists. If you’ve worked in any of these roles previously and have a strong knowledge of Web3, you might find yourself at an advantage compared to those without the same knowledge.
For non-technical, entry-level Web3 jobs, foundational knowledge of blockchain alone could set you apart from the crowd. However, a proven track record in your area of expertise will likely be the winning factor for any Web3 job application.
How to Get the Skills You Need to Work in Web3
There isn’t one set path toward working in Web3. The path you choose will depend on your current level of knowledge and experience and the specific area of the industry you want to work in. Also, when it comes to learning, what works for some people doesn’t always work for others. So, you’ll find plenty of information about blockchain, smart contracts, and NFTs on the internet. However, there’s also a lot of misinformation and outdated information that doesn’t paint the best picture.
YouTube can be a great place to learn about blockchain and Web3; however, it’s important to do your own research before taking anyone else’s word as gospel. If you’re looking to get into Web3 development, the Moralis YouTube channel is a great place to get started building dapps. On the other hand, if you have no experience in coding and little understanding of blockchain, you might want to consider some sort of course or training program.
At Moralis Academy, we have courses that cover every area of the Web3 industry and cater to all levels of knowledge and experience. From understanding the basic concepts of blockchain to smart contract security and creating your own metaverse gaming application, our expert-guided video tutorials are the best way to become blockchain certified at your own pace.
To become a Web3 developer, check out the JavaScript Programming for Blockchain Developers course at Moralis Academy. In this course, we teach students how to build a decentralized exchange (DEX) on Ethereum from scratch using JavaScript, HTML, CSS, and Moralis. Take your first steps towards a life-changing career in Web3 today with Moralis Academy!
Skills You Need for Web3 Entry-Level Jobs – Summary
When looking to gain employment in Web3, you’ll need to know your stuff when it comes to blockchain, cryptocurrencies, smart contracts, DeFi, NFTs, and the metaverse. Whether you want to be a Web3 developer or work in a non-tech role, having a solid foundational knowledge of these subjects will put you in good stead. Also, as with any other industry, employers in Web3 want candidates to be able to communicate, be creative, and work as part of a team.
Although it may appear daunting if you’re new to the industry, getting an entry-level Web3 job is just as easy as getting any other job. Providing you have the necessary skills and knowledge, plenty of opportunities are available in the Web3 industry. Plus, it doesn’t take long to get up to speed with blockchain and decentralized technologies if you have any gaps in your Web3 education.
The Web3 job market is undersaturated, and blockchain specialists are in high demand sector-wide. A quick Google search of “Web3 jobs” shows just how many vacant positions are available in Web3 for many roles. As such, anyone with a strong understanding of blockchain stands a high chance of success when applying for entry-level Web3 jobs or developer jobs. There has never been a better time to learn a new skill in an emerging tech field. So, now that you know how to get there why not start pursuing a career in Web3 today?
See our blockchain guides and Web3 ebooks if you need some inspiration to get started! Also, check out our “Crypto Terminology” article to expand your Web3 vocabulary!