Blockchain technology is rapidly transforming industries worldwide, and the demand for skilled blockchain developers is increasing at an unprecedented pace. If you’re a recent high school graduate or someone who wants to make a career in blockchain development, this comprehensive guide will help you understand how to become a blockchain developer after 12th.

In this article, we will cover everything from understanding the basics of blockchain technology to obtaining the necessary skills and knowledge to pursue a career in blockchain development. We’ll also discuss various career paths available in the industry and provide insights into the top companies in the world that are actively hiring blockchain developers.

Understanding Blockchain Technology: The Basics

Before we dive into the steps to become a blockchain developer, let’s first understand what blockchain technology is and how it works. A blockchain is a decentralized and distributed database that stores information across multiple computers in a secure and transparent manner. The data stored on a blockchain is immutable, meaning once it’s recorded, it cannot be altered or deleted.

Why Become a Blockchain Developer?

The demand for skilled blockchain developers is increasing rapidly due to the growing adoption of blockchain technology across industries. Some of the reasons why becoming a blockchain developer is a lucrative career choice are:

• High Demand: According to a report by Hired, blockchain developer salaries are among the highest in the tech industry, with an average salary of $208,000 per year in the US.
• Growing Industry: The global blockchain market is expected to reach $39 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 67% from 2020 to 2025.
• Opportunities for Innovation: Blockchain technology offers numerous opportunities for innovation and solving complex problems across industries such as finance, healthcare, and logistics.
• Future Proof: Blockchain technology is still in its early stages, and the demand for skilled blockchain developers is only expected to grow in the coming years.

Steps to Become a Blockchain Developer

Now that we understand why becoming a blockchain developer is a lucrative career choice, let’s explore the steps you can take to become one:

1. Learn Programming Languages: To become a blockchain developer, you need to have a strong foundation in programming languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript. You can start by enrolling in an online course or attending a coding bootcamp to learn these languages.
2. Understand Blockchain Technology: Once you have a basic understanding of programming languages, you need to learn about blockchain technology. There are several online courses and resources available that can help you understand the basics of blockchain technology. You can also read books and articles on the subject to gain a deeper understanding.
3. Build Projects: The best way to become a proficient blockchain developer is by building projects. You can start with simple projects such as creating a decentralized application (dApp) or building a smart contract. As you gain more experience, you can move on to more complex projects.
4. Participate in Open-Source Projects: Contributing to open-source blockchain projects is an excellent way to gain experience and build your portfolio. You can find several open-source blockchain projects on platforms such as GitHub.
5. Get Certified: Obtaining a certification in blockchain development can help you stand out from other candidates and demonstrate your expertise in the field. There are several certifications available, such as the Certified Blockchain Developer (CBDA) and Certified Ethereum Developer (CED).
6. Network with Other Developers: Networking is an essential part of any career, and it’s no different for blockchain developers. You can join online communities such as Reddit and Stack Exchange to connect with other blockchain developers and learn from their experiences.

Career Paths in Blockchain Development

The blockchain industry offers several career paths for developers, including:

• Full-Stack Developer: A full-stack developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining web applications that use blockchain technology.
• Smart Contract Developer: A smart contract developer writes code that automates the execution of agreements between parties on a blockchain.
• Blockchain Architect: A blockchain architect designs and implements blockchain-based solutions for various industries such as finance and supply chain management.
• DevOps Engineer: A DevOps engineer is responsible for managing the development and deployment of blockchain applications.
• Security Specialist: A security specialist is responsible for ensuring the security of blockchain systems and networks.

Top Companies Hiring Blockchain Developers

The demand for skilled blockchain developers is increasing rapidly, and several companies are actively hiring blockchain developers. Some of the top companies in the world that are hiring blockchain developers include:

• ConsenSys: ConsenSys is a leading blockchain technology company that is involved in various projects such as Ethereum and IPFS. They are constantly looking for skilled blockchain developers to join their team.
• IBM: IBM is one of the largest technology companies in the world and is actively investing in blockchain technology. They have several job openings for blockchain developers across different locations.
• Deloitte: Deloitte is a professional services firm that offers blockchain-based solutions to various industries such as finance and supply chain management. They are always looking for skilled blockchain developers to join their team.
• Chainalysis: Chainalysis is a leading blockchain analysis company that provides tools and services to help businesses understand the cryptocurrency market. They are constantly looking for skilled blockchain developers to join their team.
• Square: Square is a payment processing company that recently announced it had invested $10 million in Bitcoin. They are looking for skilled blockchain developers to join their team and work on various blockchain-based projects.

Conclusion

Becoming a blockchain developer after 12th can be an exciting and rewarding career path. With the growing adoption of blockchain technology across industries, the demand for skilled blockchain developers is only expected to grow in the coming years. To become a proficient blockchain developer, you need to have a strong foundation in programming languages, understand blockchain technology, build projects, participate in open-source projects, get certified, and network with other developers. There are several career paths available for blockchain developers, including full-stack developer, smart contract developer, blockchain architect, DevOps engineer, and security specialist. The top companies in the world that are actively hiring blockchain developers include ConsenSys, IBM, Deloitte, Chainalysis, and Square.