What are the Skills required in Blockchain?

• May 14, 2019
• admin

Article by Carm Cachia Chief Administrator eSkills Malta Foundation published on Blockchain Island

In the past, when we used to develop IT Systems, the concepts of accountability, auditability, availability, identity and integrity of data records were and still are crucial to systems development. Systems not having these building blocks used to spell big trouble. Roll-forward the years and today the Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) provides all of this with less complexity. Ironically, DLT or Blockchain systems are coined as complex systems, but for those who develop enterprise systems know well that providing the above concepts in systems involves a far greater deal of complexity. It, therefore, follows, that in the near future, systems based on DLT will be a major requirement.

This brings me to the issue of skills requirements for people who would like to go into this as quick as possible. Being an emerging sector then the continual ‘learn and adapt accordingly’ is crucial. Traditional technical skills of software development, data analytics, systems architecture are definitely essential foundations for the technical people. In 2018, a certain foreign recruitment firm came up with the top blockchain-related skills requested in the market. These include cryptography, Python, Bitcoin, web design, blockchain platforms like Ethereum, Ripple and R3 Corda. Others include Java, Javascript, C++, C#, node.js, angular.js, React.js, HTML5, Solidity, CSS, iOS and Android App development, machine learning, and Goland. Then there are subjects like content writing, Research, ICO marketing, SEO writing.

So, it is evident that with the exception of some new technologies, a lot is still based on current technology. In my view, it is therefore essential that the additional knowledge and competencies needed are the deep understanding of the blockchain concepts and its underlying architecture, its effect on the current legal and financial structure, and the way that it is affecting and will affect the business are bring you apart from the rest. So many educational and training institutions have come up with their own courses (e.g. University of Malta, Oxford University, MIT, Skillsoft, PwC, etc.) so there is no excuse for anyone to become blockchain-savvy.