You're aiming to advance in Web3. How can continuous learning and upskilling propel your career forward?

Understanding blockchain basics is absolutely critical, for example, understanding how data is secured, how different consensus protocols work are among the essentials. On top of that it’s really useful to see how the Web3 layer sits, for example how people can easily create wallets, the different types of wallets that exist...these are important mechanics. Another key component is to understand tokenisation. So just like any new technology there are some fundamental building blocks, and the better we got to know them, the better we can unlock opportunity. But it is essential to be able to link the technology to business and user goals, so that the project is not implementing technology for the sake of it

Okay so i am summing up everything here. So to advance in web3 career. First make sure that you are done with the basics of web3 because then only you can understand complex things better else you won't gonna understand anything properly. Learn skills according to the path you chose like HR, manager or marketing or developer. If You have chosen developer then learn solidity, hardhat, ethers.js for the basics. In advance learn DEFI, rust, Foundry, wagmi etc. Then build projects with the skills you learnt because then only you can understand everything properly. Share those projects online like on linkedin, twitter so that everyone can know about you and your project and that's how you will get better opportunity to grow in your career

You can train yourself to become a blockchain dev or you can excel at being an application developer and leverage web3 SaaS solutions that are tried and tested for you to build a better software product. This way you focus more on the application of web3, tapping into its benefits, rather than dealing the complexity of learning web3 and implementing it like a square peg in a round hole.

Grasping Web3 fundamentals is important before going further. Web3 is the next step for the internet, centered on decentralization. Data isn't stored on central servers but is distributed across a network of computers, or nodes. Blockchain technology powers this system, boosting security and transparency. Understanding these basics is vital, as they are the foundation for Web3 projects like decentralized apps (dApps) and smart contracts, which automate transactions without intermediaries.

Understanding the basics of Web3 is more than just knowing definitions; it's about grasping the underlying principles that make this new era of the internet revolutionary. For example, the concept of decentralization isn't just a technical term—it represents a shift in power dynamics from centralized authorities to individuals. This shift opens up new opportunities and challenges in terms of governance, security, and privacy. One thing I’ve found helpful is starting with the "why" behind Web3. Ask yourself why decentralization matters and how it impacts not just technology but also the way we think about data ownership, control, and access.

If the goal is to be a blockchain developer then yes this is the route to go. Learn solidity, write smart contracts, learn about interoperability and blockchain advancements but watch out the space moves fast. If the goal is to build use cases around blockchain then don't waste time with this learning curve. Leverage SaaS solutions that have APIs and Microservices at your disposal. You'll build better applications and use cases.

To advance in Web3, build skills to become a pi (π) shaped person. Earlier this was called being T-shaped, i.e. possessing broad skills (the horizontal line of the T) and 1 deep specialisation However, a π shape builds on this by combining broad skills (e.g., influencing, consultative selling, negotiation) with 2 deep specialisations E.g. If you are a Web3 founder: Broad base: understanding principles of building a business, hiring, basic management finance. Specialisations if your background is tech: 1. Deep knowledge of certain blockchain protocol you are using e.g. Solidity, Ethereum 2. Deep knowledge in tokenomics, because that will help you understand how to raise capital for your project

To succeed in Web3, it's crucial to keep enhancing your skills. This involves learning new programming languages like Solidity, which is key for creating smart contracts on Ethereum, and understanding how different blockchains interact. You should also become proficient with decentralized file storage systems like IPFS and get a deep understanding of decentralized finance (DeFi). As you build expertise in these areas, you'll be well-prepared to contribute to or lead innovative projects.

While learning new programming languages like Solidity or Rust is crucial for developers, don’t overlook the importance of understanding Web3's interdisciplinary nature. For instance, having a basic grasp of economics can significantly enhance your understanding of decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols. Similarly, understanding user experience (UX) principles can help you build more intuitive dApps. In my experience, blending technical skills with knowledge from other fields allows for more innovative and user-centric solutions in Web3 projects.

To advance in Web3, start building your network. The biggest mistake I see people make at industry meetups/ events is they talk way more than they listen. I go to a lot of industry events. I know I'm a newbie so I happily insert myself into groups where interesting discussions are going on and I shamelessly listen. I take people's contact/ credentials. In future if I come across something relevant to the person, I send it to them. Networking will also help you start learning from others, so become a student of people with more experience in the domain. That way you'll develop a good feel for how to tackle challenges and learn frameworks/ mental models by mirroring their approach.

Connecting with the Web3 community can really speed up your learning. By participating in virtual meetups, forums, and hackathons, you can meet people with similar interests. These interactions can lead to collaboration, job opportunities, and valuable insights into trends and best practices. Web3 relies on community and shared growth, so being involved helps you learn from others and share your own experiences.

Applying your knowledge to real-world projects is where the real learning happens. It's one thing to understand the theory behind smart contracts, but it's a completely different experience to develop, test, and deploy them in a live environment. I once led a project where we integrated a decentralized payment system into a traditional e-commerce platform. This experience taught me not only the technical challenges of such integrations but also the importance of user education and seamless UX design in driving adoption.

Applying your skills to real-world projects is an excellent way to learn. Getting hands-on experience with blockchain helps you deal with the actual challenges of development. You could start by working on open-source projects or building your own decentralized apps (dApps). This practical approach will strengthen your understanding and show your abilities to potential employers or investors in the Web3 field.

Getting hands-on experience is a great way to learn. By working on real projects, you'll encounter the practical challenges of blockchain development. Start by contributing to open-source projects or building your own decentralized apps (dApps). This practical work will deepen your understanding and show potential employers or investors what you can do.

Web3 is excitingly changing every day! Besides technology, you need to understand communities' priorities, how projects are evolving, what kind of services are being offered, what new services are being made available, and even what new business could benefit in the space. Being up-to-date is also understanding the needs of developers and users, and understanding what things could make a real difference in people's lives.

The Web3 world is always changing, with new tools and technologies popping up regularly. To stay ahead, you need to keep up with these updates. Follow experts on social media, sign up for newsletters, and check out Web3 news sources. Keeping informed will help you anticipate industry trends and keep your skills relevant.