How to Get a Job in Crypto: Our Top 5 Tips
August 29, 2022
Read Time 4 MIN
For young adults currently looking for positions in crypto, the search can seem daunting. Like all emerging industries, crypto is susceptible to boom and bust cycles, and navigating the space may feel overwhelming. But if working in crypto is something you know you want to do, keep reading. Members of VanEck's digital assets team took to this WEB3 TEA episode to candidly discuss how to break into the space. SPOILER: It’s not easy, but it’s not impossible.
Here are our top 5 tips to help you stand out and land that job.
1. Immerse yourself in the wonderful world of crypto discourse.
On Twitter, many crypto experts regularly post their insights and opinions. Prioritize investing time each day reading their posts to keep up with the latest news and trends. But you don’t have to rely solely on Twitter. There are numerous content sources to explore—from podcasts to free newsletters, blogs, and courses. Choose the ones that work for you.
VanEck offers a hub of educational resources as well as blogs and research produced by our digital assets team. Regularly consuming this content will help you learn the fundamentals and grow your knowledge base—and the great thing about knowledge is that it compounds exponentially. Remember to be mindful and deliberate about your learning—if something is unclear, make a note to research it later. Discord is also an excellent platform for asking questions and connecting with like-minded people.
2. Build your expertise and consider producing your own content.
From NFTs to Web3, the crypto landscape can be overwhelming. Instead of trying to learn everything, focus on one area of interest to establish your expertise. Share your thoughts and opinions when you're comfortable with your understanding of the space by responding to Tweets, speaking up on Twitter Spaces, volunteering in Discord projects, etc. These interactions will strengthen your knowledge and help you better articulate your thoughts and opinions, which will be vital for interviews. When you are confident with your expertise in a focused area, try producing your own content, which can help you stand out in the interview process. Whether you're interested in becoming a trader, a social media coordinator, a sales rep, a portfolio manager, or a lawyer, strong verbal/written communication is key to effectively sharing your ideas in a coherent and organized manner. Producing your own crypto-related content—like a Substack newsletter or videos on TikTok—is a great way to both practice your communication skills and showcase your commitment to the space in the interview process.
3. Do your homework on companies and roles to target your job search.
Casting a wide net and applying to every crypto-related job that you come across is not an effective strategy. Instead, research the companies you'd like to work for—are you interested in joining a traditional asset manager offering digital asset funds like VanEck, a crypto exchange such as FTX, or an early-stage blockchain startup? You can also look into the companies of the crypto professionals you follow on Twitter. Visit company websites, and follow their pages on social, especially LinkedIn, to hear about new job openings. Reach out to people at the firms you want to work at to connect and learn more about the company and their role. Some may not respond, but there’s usually a handful willing to speak with you.
There is a common misconception that everyone who works in crypto is a programmer or developer with hard technical skills. Like any other industry, a range of positions are available at crypto firms that can be suited to your skills. Are you good at cranking out social media content? Do you enjoy accounting and numbers? Is legal research interesting to you?
4. Prepare and practice for your interviews.
Due to the newness of the crypto sector, many don't have prior professional experience in the field, so your passion and knowledge of the space will help you stand out. When you score an interview, take the time to practice and prepare smart questions to ask. Know why you’re there, and practice your elevator pitch for the “tell me about yourself” question. Understand the role and company well. If you produce your own crypto content, this is the time to talk about it.
5. Be dedicated, humble and patient.
Consider this tip one of the most important. You probably will face a lot of rejections, and it will sting, but don’t let that discourage you. Shrug it off, and keep trying and applying. Also, you shouldn't write off non-crypto opportunities. Most people working in crypto generally have a few years of experience in traditional industries—see VanEck’s digital assets team—and this experience is still highly valued. If you keep up your passion for crypto on the side (what Matthew Bartlett calls “a productive distraction” in the episode), you can make the transition later. If you’re genuinely passionate about the space, focus on the process, and you’ll find a way to make it work.
If you think you have what it takes after reading this, Matthew Bartlett, Head of NFT Community and Web3, is looking to hire an intern.
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IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Please note that VanEck may offer investments products that invest in the asset class(es) or industries included herein.
Coin Definitions
Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain with smart contract functionality. Ether is the native cryptocurrency of the platform. Amongst cryptocurrencies, Ether is second only to Bitcoin in market capitalization.
This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the cryptocurrencies mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are valid as of the date of this communication and subject to change without notice. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its employees.
In consideration of the receipt of non-fungible tokens ("NFTs") from VanEck, you represent, acknowledge, accept and agree that you received the NFTs as a gift from VanEck. You did not pay any consideration, monetary or otherwise, for the NFTs.
You may receive an NFT as a gift from VanEck. You are not paying any consideration, monetary or otherwise, for the NFT.
The NFTs are not an investment. Rather, the NFTs are digital memorabilia intended solely for entertainment purposes. As entertainment memorabilia given to you as a gift, the NFTs have no value and are not intended by VanEck to ever have any value. Neither VanEck nor anyone else will take or not take any current or future action that is designed in any way to maintain the value of the NFTs, or to cause their value to grow or increase. You must not attempt to obtain an NFT from VanEck if you view it as an investment.
As a condition of receiving the NFTs, you shall hold the NFTs for your own personal benefit, and you shall not act, and are not acting, on behalf of any other person or entity; except that, if you are an affiliate of an entity or person whose relationship or affiliation you have made VanEck aware of prior to your receiving the NFT, and VanEck consents to your receiving an NFT, you may receive an NFT. You shall not sell, assign, alienate, lease, lend, fractionalize, re-gift, convey or transfer in any way the NFTs (or any interest therein) to any other person or entity, even an affiliate. Any sale, transfer, assignment, or other action covered in the preceding sentence shall be void. You must not attempt to obtain an NFT from VanEck if you plan to sell or transfer it.
Cryptocurrency is a digital representation of value that functions as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, or a store of value, but it does not have legal tender status. Cryptocurrencies are sometimes exchanged for U.S. dollars or other currencies around the world, but they are not generally backed or supported by any government or central bank. Their value is completely derived by market forces of supply and demand, and they are more volatile than traditional currencies. The value of cryptocurrency may be derived from the continued willingness of market participants to exchange fiat currency for cryptocurrency, which may result in the potential for permanent and total loss of value of a particular cryptocurrency should the market for that cryptocurrency disappear. Cryptocurrencies are not covered by either FDIC or SIPC insurance. Legislative and regulatory changes or actions at the state, federal, or international level may adversely affect the use, transfer, exchange, and value of cryptocurrency.
Investing in cryptocurrencies comes with a number of risks, including volatile market price swings or flash crashes, market manipulation, and cybersecurity risks. In addition, cryptocurrency markets and exchanges are not regulated with the same controls or customer protections available in equity, option, futures, or foreign exchange investing. There is no assurance that a person who accepts a cryptocurrency as payment today will continue to do so in the future.
Investors should conduct extensive research into the legitimacy of each individual cryptocurrency, including its platform, before investing. The features, functions, characteristics, operation, use and other properties of the specific cryptocurrency may be complex, technical, or difficult to understand or evaluate. The cryptocurrency may be vulnerable to attacks on the security, integrity or operation, including attacks using computing power sufficient to overwhelm the normal operation of the cryptocurrency’s blockchain or other underlying technology. Some cryptocurrency transactions will be deemed to be made when recorded on a public ledger, which is not necessarily the date or time that a transaction may have been initiated.
- Investors must have the financial ability, sophistication and willingness to bear the risks of an investment and a potential total loss of their entire investment in cryptocurrency.
- An investment in cryptocurrency is not suitable or desirable for all investors.
- Cryptocurrency has limited operating history or performance.
- Fees and expenses associated with a cryptocurrency investment may be substantial.
There may be risks posed by the lack of regulation for cryptocurrencies and any future regulatory developments could affect the viability and expansion of the use of cryptocurrencies. Investors should conduct extensive research before investing in cryptocurrencies.
Information provided by Van Eck is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as financial, tax or legal advice. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell an interest in cryptocurrencies.
All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. As with any investment strategy, there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be met and investors may lose money. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
© Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation.
Related Funds
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES
Please note that VanEck may offer investments products that invest in the asset class(es) or industries included herein.
Coin Definitions
Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain with smart contract functionality. Ether is the native cryptocurrency of the platform. Amongst cryptocurrencies, Ether is second only to Bitcoin in market capitalization.
This is not an offer to buy or sell, or a recommendation to buy or sell any of the cryptocurrencies mentioned herein. The information presented does not involve the rendering of personalized investment, financial, legal, or tax advice. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are valid as of the date of this communication and subject to change without notice. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. VanEck does not guarantee the accuracy of third party data. The information herein represents the opinion of the author(s), but not necessarily those of VanEck or its employees.
In consideration of the receipt of non-fungible tokens ("NFTs") from VanEck, you represent, acknowledge, accept and agree that you received the NFTs as a gift from VanEck. You did not pay any consideration, monetary or otherwise, for the NFTs.
You may receive an NFT as a gift from VanEck. You are not paying any consideration, monetary or otherwise, for the NFT.
The NFTs are not an investment. Rather, the NFTs are digital memorabilia intended solely for entertainment purposes. As entertainment memorabilia given to you as a gift, the NFTs have no value and are not intended by VanEck to ever have any value. Neither VanEck nor anyone else will take or not take any current or future action that is designed in any way to maintain the value of the NFTs, or to cause their value to grow or increase. You must not attempt to obtain an NFT from VanEck if you view it as an investment.
As a condition of receiving the NFTs, you shall hold the NFTs for your own personal benefit, and you shall not act, and are not acting, on behalf of any other person or entity; except that, if you are an affiliate of an entity or person whose relationship or affiliation you have made VanEck aware of prior to your receiving the NFT, and VanEck consents to your receiving an NFT, you may receive an NFT. You shall not sell, assign, alienate, lease, lend, fractionalize, re-gift, convey or transfer in any way the NFTs (or any interest therein) to any other person or entity, even an affiliate. Any sale, transfer, assignment, or other action covered in the preceding sentence shall be void. You must not attempt to obtain an NFT from VanEck if you plan to sell or transfer it.
Cryptocurrency is a digital representation of value that functions as a medium of exchange, a unit of account, or a store of value, but it does not have legal tender status. Cryptocurrencies are sometimes exchanged for U.S. dollars or other currencies around the world, but they are not generally backed or supported by any government or central bank. Their value is completely derived by market forces of supply and demand, and they are more volatile than traditional currencies. The value of cryptocurrency may be derived from the continued willingness of market participants to exchange fiat currency for cryptocurrency, which may result in the potential for permanent and total loss of value of a particular cryptocurrency should the market for that cryptocurrency disappear. Cryptocurrencies are not covered by either FDIC or SIPC insurance. Legislative and regulatory changes or actions at the state, federal, or international level may adversely affect the use, transfer, exchange, and value of cryptocurrency.
Investing in cryptocurrencies comes with a number of risks, including volatile market price swings or flash crashes, market manipulation, and cybersecurity risks. In addition, cryptocurrency markets and exchanges are not regulated with the same controls or customer protections available in equity, option, futures, or foreign exchange investing. There is no assurance that a person who accepts a cryptocurrency as payment today will continue to do so in the future.
Investors should conduct extensive research into the legitimacy of each individual cryptocurrency, including its platform, before investing. The features, functions, characteristics, operation, use and other properties of the specific cryptocurrency may be complex, technical, or difficult to understand or evaluate. The cryptocurrency may be vulnerable to attacks on the security, integrity or operation, including attacks using computing power sufficient to overwhelm the normal operation of the cryptocurrency’s blockchain or other underlying technology. Some cryptocurrency transactions will be deemed to be made when recorded on a public ledger, which is not necessarily the date or time that a transaction may have been initiated.
- Investors must have the financial ability, sophistication and willingness to bear the risks of an investment and a potential total loss of their entire investment in cryptocurrency.
- An investment in cryptocurrency is not suitable or desirable for all investors.
- Cryptocurrency has limited operating history or performance.
- Fees and expenses associated with a cryptocurrency investment may be substantial.
There may be risks posed by the lack of regulation for cryptocurrencies and any future regulatory developments could affect the viability and expansion of the use of cryptocurrencies. Investors should conduct extensive research before investing in cryptocurrencies.
Information provided by Van Eck is not intended to be, nor should it be construed as financial, tax or legal advice. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell an interest in cryptocurrencies.
All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. As with any investment strategy, there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be met and investors may lose money. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
© Van Eck Securities Corporation, Distributor, a wholly owned subsidiary of Van Eck Associates Corporation.