How I Become a Blockchain Engineer in 2024?
My journey towards becoming a Blockchain Engineer in 2024 was ignited by the inspiring colleagues I encountered during my tenure at Securrency, now DTCC Digital ME. As a Mobile Engineer focused on developing a next-gen wallet app for trading digital assets with major players like WisdomTree, I found fulfilment in my work and satisfaction in contributing to innovative solutions. However, amidst this success, I couldn't help but be intrigued by the potential of emerging technologies such as Ethereum and smart contracts, particularly in the evolving landscape of digital finance.
It was around mid-2022 when I had the privilege of meeting Tarun Sharma , a seasoned Blockchain Engineer with a unique blend of expertise in designing complex software architecture and a background in mobile development. Tarun's insights and career guidance sparked a newfound curiosity within me, prompting me to explore the world of blockchain technology. In 2022, I embarked on my journey as a Blockchain explorer and learner, enrolling in my first course on Coursera titled "Blockchain Specialization" offered by the 美国纽约州立大学布法罗分校 . Since then, my path has been defined by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and continuous mentorship, propelling me towards a fulfilling career in blockchain engineering.
Unlocking Blockchain Mastery: The University of Buffalo Experience
Through the University of Buffalo's "Blockchain Specialization" course on Coursera by Bina Ramamurthy, I gained a deep understanding of blockchain fundamentals, including distributed consensus mechanisms, cryptographic techniques, and the role of Smart Contracts in automating agreements. Exploring Decentralized Applications (DApps) and various Blockchain Platforms further equipped me to navigate the evolving landscape of blockchain technology with confidence and expertise. This rigorous study broadened my horizons and honed my skills as a proficient Blockchain Engineer, ready to tackle the challenges of tomorrow's digital landscape.
What I Learned:
Specialization Overview: Embarked on a transformative journey into the world of blockchain technology through this four-course specialization. Explored the revolutionary potential of blockchain, facilitating peer-to-peer transfer of digital assets sans intermediaries. Dived into Ethereum blockchain programming, equipping myself with the tools to navigate this cutting-edge landscape. The curriculum encompassed foundational blockchain concepts, smart contract design and implementation, decentralized application development, and insights into industry-wide blockchain frameworks.
Ideal for programmers, designers, and blockchain enthusiasts alike, this specialization offered essential knowledge ranging from cryptographic principles to decentralized application deployment on private Ethereum blockchain platforms. Discovered the profound implications of blockchain technology and its potential applications across various industries.
Applied Learning Project: Put theory into practice as I deployed blockchain instances, executed peer-to-peer transactions, and programmed smart contracts using Solidity language. Through hands-on projects, analyzed, designed, and coded blockchain-based solutions for decentralized applications, cementing my expertise in this transformative technology.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance Specialization
I enrolled in the "Decentralized Finance (DeFi): The Future of Finance Specialization" to deepen my understanding of decentralized finance and its pivotal role in shaping the future of the financial industry by Cam Harvey.
Comprising four comprehensive courses, this specialization delves into various aspects of DeFi, from its foundational infrastructure to the intricate mechanisms and opportunities it presents:
By completing this specialization, I am equipped with the knowledge and insights needed to navigate the complexities of decentralized finance and contribute to its transformative impact on the financial landscape.
Cryptozomabies
My journey with Cryptozombies began as a curious explorer eager to delve into the world of blockchain development. As a mobile developer looking to expand my skill set, the prospect of learning Solidity and building decentralized applications (DApps) was both daunting and exhilarating. Cryptozombies provided the perfect entry point, offering a hands-on approach to learning Solidity through gamified lessons and challenges.
Each lesson in Cryptozombies introduced new concepts and techniques, gradually building upon the foundational knowledge of Solidity. From creating and deploying simple smart contracts to implementing more complex features like inheritance and modifiers, Cryptozombies guided me through the intricacies of blockchain development with clarity and precision.
One of the most valuable aspects of Cryptozombies was its interactive nature, which allowed me to practice coding in a real-world environment without the fear of breaking anything. The platform provided immediate feedback on my code, highlighting errors and suggesting improvements along the way. This iterative process of trial and error not only reinforced my understanding of Solidity but also instilled in me a sense of confidence and proficiency in writing smart contracts.
As I progressed through the Cryptozombies tutorials, I found myself increasingly immersed in the world of blockchain gaming. The prospect of creating decentralized games and applications that leverage the transparency and security of blockchain technology was both inspiring and empowering. With each lesson completed, I gained a deeper appreciation for the potential of blockchain to revolutionize the gaming industry and beyond.
Beyond just learning Solidity, Cryptozombies introduced me to the broader concepts of blockchain technology and decentralized systems. I learned about the importance of security, the mechanics of blockchain consensus, and the potential applications of smart contracts in various industries. Armed with this knowledge, I felt prepared to tackle real-world challenges and contribute to the growing ecosystem of blockchain innovation.
Rohas Nagpal's Influence on Blockchain Engineering
Participating in the Hybrid Finance Blockchain (HYFI) program, spearheaded by Rohas Nagpal , has been a transformative experience for me. Under the guidance of Nagpal, a seasoned expert and Chief Blockchain Architect of HYFI, I delved deep into the intricacies of legally compliant, permissioned Layer-1 blockchain technology for real-world asset tokenization.
The program not only equipped me with technical know-how but also provided invaluable insights into the broader blockchain ecosystem. Learning from Nagpal's wealth of experience, including his involvement in co-founding BankChain and advising on Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) initiatives, offered a unique perspective on the industry's nuances and potential.
Through hands-on learning and interactive sessions, I gained practical skills that have directly translated into my professional endeavours. The knowledge acquired from the program has empowered me to navigate complex blockchain projects with confidence and precision, while also fostering a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory frameworks governing blockchain technology.
Moreover, being part of Nagpal's program has opened doors to a network of like-minded individuals and industry professionals, facilitating collaboration and exchange of ideas. Overall, my participation in the HYFI program has been instrumental in accelerating my growth as a blockchain professional, enabling me to make meaningful contributions to the ever-evolving landscape of decentralized finance and technology.
Mentorship
During this transformative phase of my blockchain learning journey, I had the privilege of participating in the Mentorship program initiated by Nariman Qureshi with dedication to fostering talent and facilitating professional growth. It was instrumental in creating an environment where individuals can thrive and excel.
As part of the program, I had the opportunity to be mentored by Tarun Sharma , a seasoned developer with a wealth of experience and expertise. Tarun's insights, guidance, and unwavering support played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of blockchain technology and navigating the complexities of the industry. His willingness to share knowledge and provide invaluable mentorship truly made a profound impact on my learning journey.
Structured with clear goals for both mentors and mentees, the program ensured a result-oriented approach through continuous feedback and evaluation checks. Setting development goals and tasks midway through and towards the end of the program enabled me to track my progress and achieve tangible outcomes by the program's conclusion. I am grateful to the program initiators, my mentor, and all those involved for their support and guidance throughout this transformative journey.
领英推荐
The Mentorship program serves as a testament to the organization's commitment to fostering professional growth and development. Its accessibility and effectiveness highlight the importance of mentorship in driving personal and professional success. I encourage others to leverage similar mentorship opportunities, whether internally or externally, as they embark on their own learning and growth journeys.
Alchemy Resources
Alchemy Resources has been instrumental in my journey to becoming a Blockchain Engineer, offering precise and actionable tutorials that have accelerated my learning curve. Through hands-on guides like "How to Create an NFT on Ethereum Tutorial", "How to Build 'Buy Me a Coffee' DeFi dapp", and "How to Create an NFT Gallery", I gained invaluable insights into developing decentralized applications (dApps) and exploring real-world use cases of blockchain technology.
The tutorial on creating NFTs on Ethereum provided a comprehensive guide to tokenizing digital assets, understanding token standards, and deploying smart contracts on the Ethereum blockchain. By following this tutorial, I not only acquired technical proficiency in NFT development but also gained a deeper understanding of the burgeoning NFT market and its implications for digital ownership and provenance.
Decentralized Finance (DeFi) represents a paradigm shift in the traditional financial landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for financial inclusion and innovation. Alchemy Resources' tutorial on building a DeFi dapp, "Buy Me a Coffee," equipped me with the necessary skills to develop decentralized financial applications, understand concepts such as liquidity pools, and integrate decentralized exchanges (DEX) for seamless token swaps.
Blockchain's potential extends beyond its native ecosystem, and integrating external data sources is crucial for unlocking new use cases and enhancing the functionality of decentralized applications. Alchemy Resources' tutorial on connecting APIs to smart contracts using Chainlink's decentralized oracle network demonstrated how to bridge the gap between blockchain and external data sources, enabling the creation of dynamic and data-driven decentralized applications.
Tokenization
In my transition to becoming a Blockchain Engineer, I've dedicated considerable time to understanding the process of tokenizing digital assets. Inspired by the innovative work of our executive teams, I embarked on a journey of exploration, delving into online resources, attending talks, and participating in conferences.
Learning from the strategic vision and practical implementations within our organization provided invaluable insights into the transformative potential of tokenization. Online platforms such as Alchemy Resources, Ethereum's official documentation, and specialized forums offered comprehensive knowledge on token standards, smart contract development, and regulatory considerations.
Engaging in talks and conferences broadened my perspective on digital asset tokenization and facilitated connections with industry experts. These experiences fostered discussions on emerging trends, regulatory landscapes, and real-world applications, enriching my understanding of the field and equipping me with the knowledge to contribute meaningfully.
Continuous Pitching
In my journey towards transitioning into a Blockchain Engineer role, I realized early on that passive waiting wouldn't be enough. While it's essential to be patient, I understood that actively pursuing opportunities is equally crucial. Therefore, I adopted a proactive approach, seizing every chance to pitch myself to executives and engineering managers.
I made it a point to stay closely connected with individuals from various teams, not just to expand my network but also to understand their projects and needs. By doing so, I could tailor my pitch to highlight how my skills could add value to their teams. This proactive engagement not only showcased my enthusiasm and initiative but also demonstrated my commitment to making a meaningful contribution.
Moreover, facing rejection or encountering obstacles didn't deter me. Instead, I viewed them as learning opportunities and challenges to overcome. Each setback prompted me to reflect on my approach, refine my pitch, and further develop my skills. This resilience and determination were pivotal in maintaining momentum and staying focused on my goals, even in the face of adversity.
Overall, this experience taught me the importance of dedication and continuous effort in pursuing one's aspirations. It reinforced the idea that success often requires more than just waiting for opportunities to come knocking—it necessitates actively seeking them out, adapting to challenges, and persistently striving for improvement.
Web3 Development (Transitional Task)
During my transition to the Blockchain team, I undertook a significant task involving web3 integration, an experience that provided invaluable insights into the workings of blockchain technology. The task involved connecting a web3 wallet to the Mirai app, facilitating the loading of assets and transactions from the crypto wallet, and enabling token transactions through the connected wallet.
Throughout the project, I conducted thorough investigations into various aspects of wallet connection. In the process, I discovered the remarkable capabilities of the WalletConnect SDK, which greatly impressed me with its functionality and ease of use. Utilizing this SDK, which relies on the powerful dart package web3dart, proved to be a pivotal decision in ensuring seamless wallet integration.
For those interested in exploring the full demonstration of this integration, the open pull request can be found on the Mirai open-source GitHub repository (https://github.com/Securrency-OSS/mirai/pull/249). By checking out the branch and running the demo, one can gain a deeper understanding of the functionalities and benefits of web3 integration within the Mirai app.
Exploring Advanced Solidity and Blockchain Concepts
In my pursuit of continuous growth and expertise in blockchain engineering, I've embarked on a journey to delve deeper into advanced Solidity concepts and related areas. While I've already gained a strong foundation in blockchain technology, I recognize the importance of staying at the forefront of innovation to truly inspire others in the field.
By engaging in these advanced courses and exercises, I am committed to honing my skills and knowledge to become a truly inspirational figure in the field of blockchain engineering. I look forward to sharing my insights and experiences with others and empowering them to embark on their own journeys of discovery and innovation in the world of blockchain technology.
First Day as a Blockchain Engineer
My first day as a Blockchain Engineer was a whirlwind of excitement and learning. I was warmly welcomed into the team and immediately immersed in the projects we were working on. One standout project we discussed was our flagship product, the DigitalAsset Composer, which streamlines digital asset processing and management, revolutionizing the industry. DigitalAsset Composer served as a focal point, illustrating the innovative solutions we were building and the impact we aimed to make.
During my orientation, I was introduced to the world of smart contracts, a critical component of our blockchain ecosystem. I gained insights into how we utilize tools like Hardhat and Truffle for smart contract testing and deployment. As a personal preference, I found Hardhat particularly fascinating for its versatility and extensive capabilities within the realm of Solidity development.
One aspect that captivated me was the significance of migration scripts in the deployment process, ensuring smooth transitions and updates within our smart contracts. Understanding the intricacies of these scripts highlighted the meticulous attention to detail required in blockchain development.
Since then, I've been an integral part of the smart contract development team, facing new on-chain challenges daily. Each challenge presents an opportunity to think critically and creatively, leveraging limited resources to achieve optimal efficiency. It's a constant exercise in problem-solving, pushing me to think from the perspective of the blockchain itself.
One of the highlights of my journey so far was integrating the ERC721 standard into our compliance-aware token factory. This experience allowed me to delve into the realm of non-fungible assets and explore innovative approaches to asset representation and management. It was a moment of realization, where I saw firsthand the transformative potential of blockchain technology in reshaping traditional processes.
Now, every moment at my laptop is filled with anticipation and eagerness to contribute to smart contract development. The passion and drive to innovate have become ingrained in my daily routine, fueling my dedication to mastering blockchain engineering. With each day, I embrace the challenge and excitement of this dynamic field, knowing that the longer this fervour persists, the more growth and impact I'll achieve.
I am deeply grateful for the guidance and support I've received from Zach Short the director of Blockchain, and great friends and colleagues Max Hayes Vinicius Tenente Subik Shrestha .
Web3 Developer @ DeSync Labs| Cloud-Native Architecture, Decentralized Applications
11 个月Chainlink Labs recently launched the bootcamp program on YouTube.. one can join the channel and attend the bootcamp program for free.
Head of Innovation | Blockchain Developer | AI Developer | Renewable & Sustainability Focus | Tech Enthusiast
11 个月Exploring the endless possibilities of blockchain technology is truly inspiring! ?? Dive into the rich content and resources shared in the article to kickstart your journey in this dynamic field.
What a comprehensive guide! Excited to explore the world of blockchain through these curated resources. Thanks for sharing, it's a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to dive into this dynamic field!