Looking to break into the Crypto and Blockchain Industry? Here are 7 things I would check ??

Are you thinking about making your next career move into the exciting world of crypto and blockchain, often also called web3? Well, this rapidly evolving industry has loads of opportunities to offer that's for sure. But there is also a lot of noise, so it's crucial to choose the right one for you and your career.

I took the leap of faith about 2.5 years ago and landed at Kiln . Now, looking back, I couldn't be happier and feel very fortunate being part of such an amazing company and surrounded by the best colleagues. But it could have gone a lot differently if I had picked any of the other companies I had on my short list back then.

So if you are an outsider looking in or an insider looking out, here are the 7 things I would evaluate a potential company/role on:

1. Vision and Mission ?? What has always motivated me is working for a company that has a strong, clear vision and mission that functions as a beacon of guidance. Look for companies that are solving real-world problems, are driven by a purpose that resonates with you ànd at the same time are not afraid to think big and swing for the fences!
2. Market Position and Potential ?? Definitely try and evaluate the company’s position in the market. Are they a leader, a fast-growing startup, or an innovative disruptor? Understand their growth potential, the scalability of their technology or solutions and if their addressable market is large enough. VCs especially love this metric, and so should you.
3. Leadership and Team ?? A company is only as strong as its people. Look at the founders' and leadership team's backgrounds and get a feeling for their hiring philosophy. Are they experienced and respected in the industry? Also, consider the team's culture and if it fosters things like innovation, collaboration, and growth. (I believe Leadership, People, and Culture are some of the biggest drivers of success at Kiln btw.)
4. Regulatory Compliance and Ethics ?? The regulatory landscape for crypto and blockchain is complex and ever-changing. It would be a big plus if the company adheres to (local/global) regulations and maintains high ethical standards. This in my opinion is crucial for long-term sustainability and trustworthiness.
5. Technology and Innovation ??? In a tech-driven industry like web3, the quality of the technology is paramount. Investigate their products, services, roadmap (if you get access to it), and security measures. You want a company and colleagues that are pioneers and want to be at the cutting-edge of their respective fields.
6. Learning and Development ?? I see myself as a life-long learner, if you do too, then the crypto and blockchain space is a perfect match for you. To be successful as an individual and as a company, I believe both parties should want to invest in your (personal) growth, by seeking and offering learning opportunities, and encouraging professional development. Even better if this is embedded in the culture and people take time to make others better and more knowledgeable!
7. Global Reach and Impact ?? If by the end of the first 6 criteria you are still in doubt or things are tied, then maybe consider companies and roles with a global scope and the ability to make a widespread impact. This will not only enhance your career prospects but also will also contribute to the broader adoption and innovation of blockchain technology around the glove. (and it will have the added benefit of being able to travel a bit more for work, if you like that ;-))

Making the right choice can be transformative for your career. Dive deep, ask questions, and trust your instincts (yes, gut feeling is probably as important as the above list!)

The crypto and blockchain industry is more than just a job — it's a journey into the future of technology and finance. ??

Colin

P.S.: let me know if I might have missed some criteria that have worked for you?

P.P.S.: if you are looking for a (new) job, maybe I can help, feel free to reach out!

#crypto #blockchain #career