Blockchain is becoming a useful skill for STEM experts, so how can professionals upskill? Nowadays blockchain skills are not only used to innovate within areas dealing exclusively with digital assets. In fact, many STEM careers, for example those in healthcare, engineering and cybersecurity can benefit greatly from a workforce skilled in blockchain.
Widespread adoption, advancing technologies and the need for robust global security systems are just three of the many factors creating a world in which STEM professionals should seek an education in blockchain and here is how they can go about it. A technical foundation While there are a multitude of skills that don’t require a technical base to begin with, for example soft skills such as communication and leadership, blockchain as a hard skill is not one of those. Professionals who want to expand their blockchain knowledge should give a considerable amount of time to education in this area, making a concerted effort to learn the lingo and the core tenets.
Programming languages are a must, with Java, Python, C++ and Ruby being particularly useful. Additionally, anyone forging a STEM career with a blockchain element should ensure they have an understanding of algorithmic and data structure, which research shows is a crucial step in a blockchain education. While it is always possible to learn independently via online research and reading, it may be helpful to engage a third party and participate in a course, such as one of the many free and paid options offered by learning platforms Udemy, Coursera and edX.
Critical career courses For obvious reasons cryptography is at the centre of blockchain careers, making it a must-have for STEM experts diversifying their skills. A knowledge of cryptography, security principles and techniques will allow professionals to position themselves as the go-to person for organisations looking to expand their capabilities in the area of blockchain innovation. As more and more businesses look to utilise the advantages of blockchain technology, STEM professionals should seize the potential career opportunities.
Many colleges now offer education in cryptography, but if you have no interest in a third-level degree, online learning platforms such as Cyberskills Ireland and Khan Academy are great resources. Old-school methods As a society we are lucky to have the internet at our fingertips, as it makes further learning a much simpler task than it used to be, however, that doesn’t mean that blockchain education needs to be an ultra-modern endeavour. Rather, professionals should utilise the best of both worlds, internet learning and the materials that existed beforehand, for a well-rounded learning experience.
Physical, audio and e-books can come in handy, particularly if you are the kind of person who retains information well once you have reviewed it once or twice and there are a range of informative, well-written and entertaining books on the topic of blockchain, for people of all abilities. Hands-on learning Life is a great teacher and perhaps the best way to upskill, particularly in areas that are known for their complexity, is to just jump in and get some real experience. Online projects are an excellent way for newbies to upskill and learn, but also to track progress and eventually, when you have reached a certain standard, build a portfolio of work to highlight proficiency and embrace job opportunities.
Industry events are also a really fun, innovative and social medium through which you can learn, build skills and network with key players in the blockchain and wider STEM space. Crypto hackathons for example enable people to develop their abilities, exchange ideas and meet the people who may be able to further them professionally. They are also a welcoming environment for people who may be nervous about their current skillset.
If you are the kind of person who benefits from less traditional learning methods, then why not consider using gamified training formats, for example CryptoZombies, which allows you to build a zombie horde as you learn the basics of blockchain. We are all designed differently and finding out the best ways to learn is a personal endeavour that should be prioritised early on for maximum success down the line. That is really what it all comes down to, once you have figured out how you learn, embrace it and give yourself the best chance to pick up a new and exciting skill, that may very well open doors for you in your growing STEM career.
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