Cryptocurrency is a decentralized finance system that's become increasingly popular with investors, businesses and people interested in finance. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin allow people outside of the finance industry to pursue new investment opportunities. These currencies are entirely digital, and as more people and businesses use them, the demand for jobs in cryptocurrency development, support and trading is rising. In this article, we explain what cryptocurrency careers are, how to start one and list several jobs available in the industry.

What are cryptocurrency careers?

Cryptocurrency careers are jobs that work with cryptocurrency, often in the computer science and programming fields. Tracking, trading, constructing and monitoring cryptocurrencies and the corresponding blockchains—decentralized digital ledgers that track these transactions—require many kinds of hard technical skills like programming, cryptography, financial analysis and engineering. This field also has many opportunities for those who want to work outside of the technical aspects. Companies and organizations that use or create cryptocurrency employ people with marketing, managing, writing and business development skills.

5 steps for starting a career in cryptocurrency

If you're interested in a cryptocurrency-related career, consider following these steps:

1. Learn about cryptography

Cryptography, or the study of the secure passage of information, is the basis of cryptocurrency. The finance industry uses cryptography principles for processing payments, storing and transmitting data, data integrity and other information security facets. When starting a career in cryptocurrency, a basic cryptography background can help you create more secure and efficient systems.

2. Familiarize yourself with cryptocurrencies

Although cryptocurrency is a relatively new field, the decentralized nature of it allows many currencies to emerge. Several popular currencies include Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Tether and Cardano. Familiarizing yourself with these currencies, along with their values, structures, histories and major proponents, is important if you want to work with them on a professional level. Many online resources exist for those who want to expand their knowledge of cryptocurrency.

3. Evaluate your skills

Many of the most apparent opportunities in this field are STEM positions, like computer engineering, programming, software development and electrical engineering. But there are also cryptocurrency career opportunities in fields like marketing, business and communications. Once you're familiar with cryptocurrencies and their function, evaluate your skill set and determine what kind of job you want.

For example, if you have programming or software developing skills, you might pursue machine learning or blockchain development positions. Professionals with a background in writing may pursue journalist or technical writer roles. Those with business experience may become marketing, product or account managers.

4. Network with industry experts

When you've chosen the career path you want to pursue, connect with experienced professionals in that role. You can use professional networking sites, internet forums or even things like career fairs and conferences to meet people and build your network. Finding a mentor and having a network of people to get advice from and share ideas with is helpful when starting a career.

5. Update your resume

When you feel ready to start actively searching for a job in cryptocurrency, review your resume. You may have gained new experiences or skills that you can add, or you might focus on tailoring your resume specifically for this new field. You may have other documents, like a portfolio or a CV, that you can review and add or remove things that are irrelevant.