Blockchain Technology: Top Trends and Most In-Demand Job Roles in 2022

A blockchain is a type of shared database that differs from traditional databases in the way it stores data – in blocks, that are then linked using cryptography. This electronic ledger system reduces the chances of someone changing, hacking, or cheating the system.

A blockchain enables digital information to be recorded and distributed, but not edited. This allows for immutable records of transactions, which cannot be altered, deleted, or destroyed. For this reason, blockchains are also called distributed ledger technologies (DLT).

Biggest Blockchain Trends to Watch Out For in 2022

• Green Blockchain Initiatives: A major goal of the Green Chain Initiative is to apply blockchain technology to several areas to promote growth. The project will use blockchains to enable international crowdfunding for green energy projects. Blockchain has become a popular technology among financial institutions due to its rapid operations, security, and privacy.
• NFT expanding beyond online art: NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, represent a unique digital representation of a good, for example, a work of art. They are recorded on a blockchain, so they are akin to a certificate of authenticity.
• Bitcoin and national cryptocurrencies: El Salvador has officially adopted Bitcoin as legal tender. According to a YouGov survey, 27% of US residents support the idea of making bitcoin legal tender in the country.
• Blockchain and the IoT integration: The Internet of Things allows devices to send data to private blockchain networks, creating tamper-proof records of shared transactions. Business partners can share and access IoT data with you using IBM Blockchain without requiring central management or control.
• Blockchain in vaccine manufacture and tracking: The use of blockchain technology can help to provide real-time visibility of vaccine distribution and chain of custody from manufacturing to administration, eliminating blind spots across public and private entities.

Scope of Blockchain Technology as a Field and a Career

Blockchain Technology has been here for quite some time but has recently gained worldwide attention. Its applications are driving changes across a variety of industries, such as IT finance, supply chain management, and cybersecurity. It provides transparency and validation to digital information and reduces the risk of fraudulent transactions.?The expansion will only lead to more companies investing in the technology which will prove beneficial for the economic sectors.

In the future, blockchain technology will fundamentally change how we live and work. The global blockchain market is expected to reach USD 34 billion by 2026. Recruiters estimate that blockchain jobs are growing at a rate of 2000-6000% each year

Prerequisites for a Career in Blockchain

• Solid understanding of distributed systems, networking, cryptography, and data structures
• Knowledge of smart contracts, the programs that automate transactions and increase the capabilities of Blockchain without the need for middlemen or attorneys
• Understanding of Decentralized Applications (Dapps) built on blockchains. Developers can build a Dapp on numerous platforms, including Hyperledger, EOS, NEO, and Ethereum.
• Ability to use design thinking?
• Understanding Blockchain Security and skills such as elliptic curve digital signatures, Merkle proofs, cryptographic hashes, private keys, and public-key cryptography. Frameworks in security are being updated for regulatory needs, legal needs, and compliance.
• Knowledge of blockchain platforms such as R3 Corda, Ripple, Ethereum, and Hyperledger Fabric, among others
• Advanced knowledge of distributed ledger technology
• Ability to take advantage of Blockchain as a Service, a new service in the market, during the formation of the consortium
• Ability to build direct connections between customers, suppliers, and trading partners across their ecosystem

Career Opportunities in Blockchain

The Blockchain field offers a wide range of opportunities. It is possible to find work whether you are just starting out in the field, a student, or a professional looking for a change of career. Let’s take a look at some of the top job roles that a blockchain professional is eligible for.

Blockchain Developer

The roles and responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with managers to determine blockchain technology needs and envisaged functionalities
• Creating application features and interfaces by using programming languages and writing multithreaded codes
• Applying the latest cryptology techniques to protect digital transaction data against cyberattacks and information hacks
• Maintaining client and server-side applications

Top Skills

• Programming Languages - Golang, C++, Solidity, Java, Python
• Cryptography
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Smart Contracts
• Blockchain Architecture

Average Base Salary (Annually)

• USD 104,030
• GBP 55,232
• INR 6,87,052

Blockchain Solution Architect

The roles and responsibilities include:

• Responsible for working with the R&D teams and helps implement blockchain while building and designing solutions that can leverage cross-asset frameworks and concepts
• Being a technical lead during the sales processes, in collaboration with the sales lead, during the project
• Responsible for crafting core blockchain components and technological developments to foster the companies’ blockchain ecosystem

Top Skills

• Cryptography
• Frameworks - Hyperledger Fabric, R3 Corda, Ethereum?
• Front End and Back End Development
• Blockchain Development Tools
• Blockchain Architecture
• Programming Languages - Go, Node.js, Java

Average Base Salary (Annually

• USD 132,427
• GBP 55,232
• INR 16,73,184

Blockchain Project Manager

The roles and responsibilities include:

• Processing security and cyber currency management systems
• Responsible for resource monitoring and reporting
• Responsible for the development of specialized programs
• Coordinates blockchain processing software issues with other IT organizations including applications and operations

Top Skills

• Blockchain Risk Management
• Budget Management
• Smart Contracts
• Data Structures
• Blockchain Management Tools

Average Base Salary (Annually)

• USD 86,463
• GBP 60,501
• INR 16,73,184

Blockchain UX Designer

The roles and responsibilities include:

• Consulting with clients to understand their goals.
• Explaining user research results to internal and external stakeholders.
• Developing personas and usage scenarios.
• Conducting usability testing.
• Creating wireframes, storyboards, sitemaps and screen flows.

Top Skills

• Prototyping tools - Photoshop and Illustrator
• Command-Line Interfaces
• Design Methods
• Blockchain Solutions and Design

Average Base Salary (Annually)?

• USD 107,500
• GBP 55,232
• INR 6,87,052

Blockchain Quality Engineer

The roles and responsibilities include:

• Designing quality standards
• Inspecting materials and equipment, processes as well as products
• Developing quality control systems and determining corrective actions
• Working with managers and supervisors to implement quality measures

Top Skills

• Blockchain Concepts and their Implementations
• Quality Analysis
• Blockchain Testing Frameworks
• Quality Assurance Tests

Average Base Salary (Annually)

• USD 104,385
• GBP 55,232
• INR 9,41,614

Blockchain Consultant

The roles and responsibilities include:

• Research, design, develop, and test blockchain technologies
• Evaluate applications for new tools and technologies
• Maintain and extend current client- and server-side applications responsible for integration and business logic

Top Skills

• Programming and Coding
• Data Structures
• Web Development
• Cryptography
• Financial Acumen

Average Base Salary (Annually)?

• USD 92,984
• GBP 41,199
• INR 10,00,000

Top Courses to Get You Started in Blockchain

Here is a list of some of the best-rated online blockchain courses that can help you gain the right skills for a successful career

Blockchain Developer by Udacity

• Duration: 4 months
• Delivery Medium: Online?
• Level: Advanced

This nanodegree program enables you to learn the fundamentals of the blockchain platform. You will build your own private blockchain, create a digital asset using blockchain identity, explore the Ethereum platform, and learn about smart contracts.? Nanodegrees such as these are accredited online educational programs designed to help students develop specialized skills.

In this program, you'll learn about Bitcoin and Ethereum, create projects for real-world applications, and gain the skills you need for a successful career in this dynamic field.

Advanced Certification Program in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies by TalentSprint

• Duration: 6 months
• Delivery Medium: Online?
• Level: Advanced

The IIIT Hyderabad Blockchain Center of Excellence and TalentSprint provides the Advanced Certificate Program in Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies. You will gain hands-on experience through faculty-led interactive LIVE sessions, hackathons, capstone projects, master mentors, and an extraordinary group of peers during this 6 month program.

?

Certified Enterprise Blockchain Architect (CEBA) by 101 Blockchains

• Duration: 5 Weeks
• Delivery Medium: Online
• Level: Intermediate.

Technology-focused engineers, application developers, IT administrators, or anyone who wants to earn the Certified Enterprise Blockchain Architect (CEBA) certification will benefit from this course.

The course will cover the basics of blockchain such as components, terminology, value creation, solution selling, and blockchain architecture through interactive exercises, whiteboard illustrations, and demonstrations.

Certified Blockchain Expert by Blockchain Council

• Duration: 10 hours
• Delivery Medium: Online
• Level: Intermediate.

This certification course by Blockchain Council is for anyone who aspires to delve deeper into the concerned niche and learn how they can be employed in the sector they aspire to work in. This program has a well-curated and comprehensive curriculum that will introduce learners to the various facets of Blockchain technology and the growing industry.?

The learners would be able to understand Blockchain-based business applications in a proper way undergoing this course. It is a course worth investing in as it’s an accredited and well-known degree offering to assist learners grow exponentially professionally.

Blockchain Specialization by Coursera

• Duration: 4 months
• Delivery Medium: Online
• Level: Intermediate

This course by Coursera ensures that the learners gain professional potencies like cryptocurrency, cryptography, blockchain, blockchain development and data analysis and make a lucrative career out of it in cryptocurrency and blockchain.?

The online sessions are based on instructor-moderated discussions to impart the designated knowledge curated in the curriculum. The USP of this course includes capstone projects and international faculties allowing learners to access a holistic training experience.

Certified Enterprise Blockchain Professional (CEBP) by 101 Blockchains

• Duration: 4 weeks
• Delivery Medium: Online
• Level: Advanced

This certification course by 101 Blockchains is specifically designed to guide learners through the various aspects of blockchain technologies and how they impact enterprise business imperatives. This curriculum has been curated keeping the industry requirements in mind and assists learners to be interview-ready in the marketplace. It leverages updated practical tools and techniques to the learners so that they can make themselves prepared for setting up their career in the dynamic world of enterprise blockchain.

Blockchain Masterclass by 101 Blockchains

• Duration: 3 hours
• Delivery Medium: Online
• Level: Intermediate

The course leverages everything one requires to kick-start with this niche. It covers each and every aspect concerning this niche, ranging from the basics to understanding the different categories and DLT ecosystems. It includes instances of early initiatives that have steered blockchain's growth and future potential in enterprise use cases.?

You would be able to get a detailed view regarding decentralization and the token economy built on the public Blockchain infrastructure. Moreover, you'll get to visualize some examples of early adopters and users of DLT/ blockchain solutions.