Blockchain is one of the most popular emerging technologies in use today, and it is continually developing and finding new applications. Most common use case of blockchain technology comes from the financial sector in the form of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Solana, and Ethereum, to name a few.
The blockchain technology has several other uses, including distributed social networks, “play-to-earn” video games and NFT platforms that let the community transact and deal in digital art in a much more reliable and transparent manner.
Blockchain technology has enabled us to create a transparent, uncensorable, and open global data and information repository which is accessible to all. The third generation of the internet or web 3 as it is popularly known is being developed with these characteristics at its core. The idea is to move away from a centralized version of the internet to a decentralized one.
Given these developments, blockchain technology is critical to the internet’s future and everything that is dependent on it. Due to increasing market adoption and applications of blockchain technology based products and services in a number of industries, including finance, banking, retail, supply-chain and gaming, the market size of the blockchain industry is expected to grow by $67.4 billion by 2026. Considering blockchain technologies have the potential to create a digital economy without the need for third parties, major corporations like IBM, JP Morgan Chase, Amazon, Microsoft and Accenture are investing significantly in its development and solutions for an efficient use for the future generations.
Blockchain, the technology that underpins cryptocurrencies, today is creating numerous job opportunities both in India and abroad. Students and seasoned tech professionals alike can carve out a career in this ever-expanding technology like never before.
Blockchain technology appears to be complicated and thus difficult to understand. However, the skills required to work with Blockchain technology are not very different from what already exists.
For example –if you want to become a Blockchain developer, a degree in computer science with knowledge of coding/programming languages like C++, Java, Python can help. There may be specific programming languages to learn if one wants to master working on a specific blockchain like Ethereum or Solana.
As more and more companies are adapting the blockchain technology for developing business solutions the demand for Blockchain engineers has increased manifold.
Blockchain engineers are in charge of executing and designing digital blockchain business solutions, as well as developing the security and architecture of blockchain systems. They are expected to develop solutions based on an analysis of the company’s needs, to implement and develop asset accelerators, assist in the solutions design process and evaluate blockchain applications
They are mostly hired by technology consulting or data service firms. Typically a degree in computer science, information systems, or engineering in any technical field is a mandatory requirement to build a career in this field, knowledge of cryptography, how various standards work, distributed database systems and coding act as a plus factor.
A Blockchain architect designs the architecture, selects the appropriate frameworks, develops Blockchain Product Specifications, does testing, defines security requirements and establishes performance benchmarks for evaluating new solutions. To develop, review, code, and build end-to-end web application solutions based on an understanding of various Blockchain protocols, they must collaborate closely with the operations and R&D teams. They could also be in charge of creating Blockchain-based business solutions for large-scale services, identifying issues, and putting Blockchain protocol fixes into action. University degree in a mathematical-scientific field or information technology is required to pursue a career as a Blockchain architect.
Blockchain analysts are experts in developing digital solutions based on blockchain technology. They evaluate data and ledger usage to assess the performance of the blockchain in use, determine areas for improvement, and develop strategies to execute the changes or improvements required. Additionally, they oversee databases, systems for collecting data, data analytics, and other techniques that improve statistical effectiveness and quality. Blockchain engineers and analysts are frequently employed by financial and data service firms.
They are responsible for creating smart contracts using specific blockchain protocols as part of complex blockchain architecture solutions. They are responsible for researching, designing and testing new blockchain technologies, maintaining quality including code reviews, testing and verification. Besides smart contract designing and development they may be required to work on various other Web3 technologies blockchain protocol solutions and integrations, proofs, wallets, nodes, explorers, open source solutions, distributed ledgers, cryptography algorithms, and more.They have to work closely with blockchain developers, analysts and UX designers.
Given these developments and technological transformations, universities have also updated and created new curricula to provide courses based on blockchain to meet the surging workforce demand across industries. Here are the top US universities for Blockchain programs.
MIT was one of the first ones to step into research on Cryptography. The courses they offer on blockchain include- Blockchain Ethics: The Impact and Ethics of Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology, B Digital Frontier: Emerging Blockchain Havens and Shared Public Ledgers: Cryptocurrencies, Blockchains, and Other Marvels.
Courses in blockchain technology are available for both undergraduate and graduate students at Cornell University. Courses offered at the university include Cryptocurrencies and Ledgers, Applications of Blockchain Technology, Introductions to Blockchains, Cryptocurrencies, and Smart Contracts and Cryptography essentials.
Blockchain research at the University is largely driven by the Berkeley Haas Blockchain Initiative. Blockchain courses offered here include Blockchain Fundamentals, Lattices- Algorithms, Complexity, and Cryptography, Blockchain, Cryptoeconomics, and the Future of Technology, Business and Law
Establishment of the Center for Blockchain Research (CBR) is an initiative by the University for a focused Research on blockchain and cryptocurrency technology. The center brings together professors from the fields of engineering, law, and economics as well as postdocs, students, and visitors to tackle technological problems in the area. Blockchain programs at the university include courses on cryptocurrencies and blockchain technologies, cryptography and scaling blockchains
NYU offers undergraduate courses on blockchain for students to specialise in the field and in 2023 launch Fintech degree courses with a special focus on blockchain.
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