CAREER IN BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY

 

Blockchain, being the revolutionary technology that it is, has obviously opened up a new field of development called blockchain development. This, in turn, has created numerous fantastic job opportunities for developers and tech enthusiasts. Here is an article which covers the topics like what actually the Blockchain was? How to become ? job roles, career prospects and work environment to help fellow blockchain enthusiasts to get into the world of blockchain development.

In simple words, blockchain can be referred as the block of data stacked up or stored in a chain of computer networks. Where, the block contains information related to the transaction details, date, timestamp, user information, amount, etc. And to identify and store the specific transaction, the unique ID in terms of ‘hash’ is provided to each transaction in peer-to-peer communication protocol built with the trust. 

The incremental chain of blocks makes the blockchain scalable,  secure and the cybersecurity aspects are met automatically, as it becomes difficult for the hackers to hack into the growing trusted network, where every transaction owner receives a copy of the block. 

This decentralization of the digital information popularly called as “Distributed Public Ledger” makes it difficult for the hacker to manipulate at all multiple places. Everyone on the network can see all the transactions, but only the parties involved in the transaction would be able to identify their transactions because of the unique addition of hash, which was governed by private/public keys. This makes cryptography an inherent component of BLOCKCHAIN technology.

Blockchain is not only spread across the world of cryptocurrencies and platforms but also is playing an important role in industries like healthcare, infrastructure security, digital advertising, education, cloud computing, forecasting, entertainment, and many others.

WHAT IT REQUIRES?

A career as a Blockchain Professional requires a bachelor's degree in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) / Information Technology (IT) or a related discipline. Usually, education depends on the job role you want to. Some positions only require programming skills and relevant experience, and other positions require a degree and experience. As a blockchain developer, everyone has a huge scope to enhance their skills and core knowledge. There are various online platforms on connecting which, professionals will get training opportunities and valuable networking.

SKILLS NEEDED:

• Adopting a new mindset which focuses on efficiency, scalability, and distributed computing.

• Developing the hard programming skill sets

• Learning about the economic side of blockchain engineering.

• Technical skills like Blockchain Architecture, Data Structures, Cryptography, Smart, Contract Development, Web-Development.

HOW TO BECOME?

• Firstly, you need to get yourself educated to start your career in the blockchain industry.
• Understand the fundamentals of blockchain technology.
• Getting trained in cryptography provides you a head-start to get into the blockchain industry. 
• Get knowledge about Distributed Computing Theory and how it works.
• Join the blockchain community, which will also provide you an opportunity to network and engage with the people who are already working in the field.
• Grab the opportunities that come your way and start your own career path.

Industries Providing Blockchain Career Opportunities:

• Banking & Finance: Perhaps, this industry segment is the biggest beneficiary of the blockchain technology.
• Cryptocurrency: Bitcoin has proved usability with success.
• Supply chain: Blockchain technology is useful in tracking, tracing, and recording of material transactions.
• Healthcare: Personal Health Information is regulated in many countries and blockchain can bring the benefits of digital use and secure storage.
• Real Estate: Today, many transactions in the retail industry are being recorded manually. This is one industry sector in which there is huge potential for the use of blockchain technology for record-keeping and online transactions.

Who is a Blockchain Developer?

A developer responsible for developing and optimizing blockchain protocols, crafting the architecture of blockchain systems, developing smart contracts and web apps using blockchain are commonly called blockchain developers.

So, what does a blockchain developer do?

• Developing smart contracts.
• Developing interactive front-end designs for Dapps.
• Supervision of the entire stack that runs the Dapps.
• Backend development pertaining to the blockchain.
• Being involved in the research, design, development, and testing of blockchain technologies.
• Brainstorm and evaluate applications for new tools and technologies.
• Document new solutions and maintain existing ones.
• Maintain and extend client-side and server-side applications that are responsible for business logic and integration.

JOB ROLES:

• Blockchain Developer: Research Design Develop Blockchain Technologies and  Develops Decentralized applications and Smart Contracts
• Blockchain Engineer: He/ She is responsible for designing blockchain solutions.
• Quality Engineer: Monitors and Manages Blockchain Networks, and Certifies Network Before Launch and also Carries Network Upgrades and Updates.
• Blockchain Information Security Analyst: Researching and Planning network security Measures, and Installing a firewall to protect computer networks.
• Blockchain Project Managers: Responsible for organizing and managing multiple projects and deliverables, and  tasked with creating a work plan for completing projects.
• Blockchain Legal Consultant: Drafting and Reviewing legal aspects of ICO Documentation and  meeting certain legal regulations before a launch.
• Blockchain Designer: Design, implement and support blockchain focused websites, and designing Blockchain User Interface around specific business models.
• Blockchain Marketing Specialists: Overseeing and developing marketing campaigns,  Researching to Identify target audience, and also devising ideas and strategies.
• Blockchain Technical Recruiter: Identify and Screen potential blockchain project candidates, and review applicants to ensure they meet minimum Blockchain project requirements ans also research new technologies.
• Blockchain Intern: Completing relevant assigned tasks such as coding, marketing, etc. and brainstorming for new ideas.
• Business Development Representative: Push a certain product partnership, and  closing new deals, negotiating and presenting the company.
• Blockchain Data Scientist: Research and analyze troves Of Blockchain data.
• Research Analysts: Apply data mining techniques in statistical analysis.

PAY SCALE:

The salary varies depending on several factors such as job location, company, number of years experience, skills. On a broad scale, the salary ranges between 5,00,000-30,00,000 LPA.

In India, the average salary in is ₹8,01,938 per annum. 

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Career in Geotechnical Engineering

 Geotechnical engineering is also known as Geotechnics and it is one of the branches of Civil engineering which deals with the analysis, design, and construction of foundations, slopes, retaining structures, embankments, tunnels, levees, wharves, landfills, and other systems that are made up of or are supported by the soil or by the rock. It uses both the principles of soil mechanics and rock mechanics to investigate subsurface conditions and materials. It also determines the relevant physical/mechanical and chemical properties of these materials.

What is a Geotechnical Engineer?

Geotechnical engineers figure out the impact that geological formations may encounter while construction of projects. They use advanced knowledge and skills of scientific processes and mathematical calculations to examine the formation of the earth beneath residential, commercial, or industrial buildings and structures. Geotechnical engineers involve in works like drilling wells, storage facilities, constructing production, transporting petroleum products, and examining groundwater flow.

A career in geotechnical engineering has more possibilities, from marine operations to floating ice platforms in the Arctic, to mining operations.

All the construction process takes place on the ground which makes it easier to see how geotechnical engineering plays a crucial role in all civil engineering projects. Before constructing any structure, it is vitally important to go for a site visit and investigation. Failure of this operation often has had negative and expensive consequences on construction projects. Geotechnical engineers also guard and maintain the earth's physical environment during the development of major public and private projects

Some of the works of Geotechnical Engineer within the framework of the following jobs:

• Geotechnical or Geological Engineers (General): Geotechnical or Geological Engineers analyze and perform mapping operations of technical results that are obtained from seismic surveys and investigate subsurface conditions and materials to determine their properties and risks involved.
• Geotechnical or Geological Engineer (Oil Sands Projects): Geotechnical or Geological Engineers design some of the elements like open-pit walls, mine waste dumps, and dam structures that are used in oil sands mining, and also analyze slope stability, seepage, and hydraulic separation on dam structures.
• Hydrogeological Engineer: Hydrogeological Engineer provides the design & analysis of the ponds which contain discarded oil sand materials, water extraction from soil and sand, and steam injection into wells and evaluates underground water layers trapped in rocks.
• Reservoir Geomechanics Engineer (Oil & Gas Operations): As a Reservoir Geomechanics Engineer, one needs to analyze the strength of soils, drill hole stability, stress constraints, permeability of the rock formations, and the degree of trapped hydrocarbons in underground reservoirs.
• Geomechanics Engineers (Marine Operations): As a Geomechanics Engineers, one must analyze the relationship between the physical structures and the marine geology, slope stability, marine geology, sediment erosion, foundations, and anchoring systems for coastal and offshore structures.

Have doubts about the workplace of Geotechnical Engineer? Take a look here!

Most Geotechnical engineers spend their time working in comfortable office settings. They occasionally visit the operation sites occasionally and are sometimes may be exposed to potentially hazardous conditions and inclement weather. Extended visits may occur and relocation may be required.

These engineers can be employed by the following types of organizations :

• Colleges & universities.
• Construction contractors.
• Electrical utility companies.
• Mining companies.
• Engineering consulting firms.
• public and private research organizations, etc.

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All about Indian Engineering Services (IES Exam)

 

IES (Indian Engineering Services) Exam is conducted by Union Public Services Commission usually in the month of June. Indian Engineering Services refers to the services that cater to the technical and managerial functions of the Government of India. The Union Government of India appoints IES officers based on the recommendations made by the Union Public Services Commission. Every year, lakhs of engineering graduates compete in this exam for a few hundred jobs which are associated with the public sector units including roads, railways, inspection, manufacturing, power, public works, and telecommunication.

Eligibility:

• A Bachelors degree in Engineering (equivalent B.E/B.Tech) from a recognized university. Engineering discipline to be chosen from the following only - Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering.
• An M.Sc degree or equivalent with Wireless Communications, Electronics, Radio Physics or Radio Engineering as special subjects are acceptable for certain job posts.
• While coming to age criteria, the candidate can be of any age between 21-30 years as on 1 January (for general candidates) of the year they are taking the exam. The upper limit is relaxed for certain sections of the candidates.

There are three stages to be considered to become IES officer: -.

1.Preliminary Exam:

The preliminary exam or Prelims is basically divided into two sections:

• General Ability (GA),
• Engineering Branch Section.

Exam Pattern is as follows:

Paper Number	Subject	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Total Duration (in hours)
Paper 1	General Studies and Engineering Aptitude	100	200	2
Paper 2	Engineering Stream Specific	150	300	3
Total		250	500	-

 After clearing the Prelims Exam, candidates are eligible to appear  for the Mains Exam.

2. Mains Exam:

Exam Pattern is as follows:

Paper 3	Conventional Mains Exam	300 Marks
Paper 4	Conventional Mains Exam	300 Marks
Total Marks		600 Marks

 After clearing the Mains Exam, candidates are eligible to appear  for the Personality Test.

 3. Interview (Personality Test):

The interview is more focused on the personality of the candidate, rather than the technical knowledge that candidate possesses. It is of 200 marks, and the overall selection of the candidate is done based on the aggregate of the marks obtained in the written exams and the interview as well.

let’s have an overview of the list of the organizations/departments under which the candidates are being recruited through IES Recruitment:

•  Border Roads Engineering Service
• Central Electrical and Mechanical Service
• Central Engineering Service for Roads
• Central Power Engineering Service
• Central Water Engineering
• Defence Service Engineering Corps
• Geological Survey of India
• Indian Army Engineering Service
• Indian Navy Armaments Service
• Indian Ordnance Factory
• Indian Railways Service
• Indian Supply Service
• Indian Telecommunication Service

IES/ESE Exam Group-A Services/Posts:

 The recruitment of qualified candidates is made under the following 4 main categories:

  1. Civil Engineering:

•  Indian Railway Service of Engineers
•  Indian Railway Stores Service (Civil Engineering Posts)
• Central Engineering Service
•  Central Engineering Service (Roads),  Group-A (Civil Engineering Posts)
•  Survey of India Group ‘A’ Service
• AEE (Civil) in Border Road Engineering Service
• Indian Defence Service of Engineers
• AEE (QS&C) in MES Surveyor Cadre
• Central Water Engineering (Group 'A') Service.
• Indian Skill Development Service.

2. Mechanical Engineering:

• Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers
• Indian Railway Stores Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
• AEE in GSI Engineering Service Gr ‘A’
• Indian Defence Service of Engineers.
• Indian Naval Armament Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts)
• Asstt. Naval Store Officer Grade-I (Mechanical Engineering Posts) in Indian Navy
• AEE (Elec & Mech) in Border Roads Engineering Service (Mechanical Engineering Posts).
• Central Water Engineering (Group 'A') Service.
• Central Power Engineering Service Gr 'A' (Mechanical Engineering Posts).
• Indian Skill Development Service.
• Central Power Engineering Service Gr 'B' (Mechanical Engineering Posts).

3. Electrical Engineering:

• Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers
• Indian Railway Stores Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
• Central Electrical & Mechanical Engineering Service (Electrical Engineering Posts)
• Indian Defence Service of Engineers
• Asstt. Naval Store Officer Grade-I (Electrical Engineering Posts) in Indian Navy.
• Central Power Engineering Service Gr 'A' (Electrical Engineering Posts).
• Defence Aeronautical Quality Assurance Service/SSO-II (Electrical).
• Indian Skill Development Service.
• Central Power Engineering Service Gr 'B' (Electrical Engineering Posts).

 4. Electronics & Telecommunication:

• Engineering Indian Railway Service of Signal Engineers
• Indian Railway Stores Service (Telecommunication/Electronics Engineering Posts)
• Indian Radio Regulatory Service Gr ‘A’
• Indian Telecommunication Service Gr 'A'
• Indian Naval Armament Service (Electronics and Telecom Engineering Posts)
• Asstt. Naval Store Officer Grade-I(Electronics and Telecom Engg. Posts) in Indian Navy.
• Central Power Engineering Service Gr 'A' (Electronics & Telecom Engineeering Posts).
• Indian Skill Development Service.
• Junior Telecom Officer Gr ‘B’ .
• Central Power Engineering Service Gr 'B' (Electronics & Telecom Engineering posts).

IES Salary Details:

At initial stage, the IES In Hand salary was RS.42,000/-. But after the implementation of the 7th Pay Commission, the approximate IES Salary is Rs.55,135/-. The IES Salary and Pay Scale for different posts are tabulated as follows:

Level	Pay Scale	Grade Pay
Junior level	INR 15,600 – INR 39,100	INR 5400
Senior Scale	INR 15,600 – INR 39,100	INR 6600
Junior Administrative Grade	INR 15,600 – INR 39,100	INR 7600
Selection grade scale (Chief Engineer L2 / Jt. G M )	INR 37400 – INR 67000	INR 8700
Super time grade (Chief Engr. /Additional GM)	INR 37400 – INR 67000	INR 8700
Cabinet Secretary Grade	INR 90,000	N/A
Apex Pay Scale	INR 80,000	N/A

IES Salary at Entry Level:

The IES Entry-level salary will depend upon the candidate’s location where they are getting posted. The IES has divided cities into 3 classes and candidates will receive the salary according to the class of the city they are posted in. The three classes are listed below: 

•       Class A: Metropolis
•          Class B: Metropolis + Other Big Cities
•          Class C: Village + Small Cities

Component	Class A Cities	Class B Cities	Class C Cities
Basic Pay	15,600	15,600	15,600
Grade Pay	5,400	5,400	5,400
Net Basic Pay	21,000	21,000	21,000
Dearness Allowance (125% of Basic)	26,250	26,250	26,250
House Rent Allowance	6,300 (30% of Basic)	4,200 (20% of Basic)	2,100 (10% of Basic)
Transport Allowances ((15% of Basic + DA)	7,087	7,087	7,087
IES Gross Salary	60,637	58,537	56,437
IES Deductions (Approx.)	10,000	10,000	10,000
IES Salary in Hand	50,637	48,537	46,437

IES Salary Deductions:

According to the various government policies, some amount of salary will be deducted. The IES Salary deductions are listed as follows:

•  10% of gross pay is deducted for PF
•  The employees must pay Rs.325/- under Central Government Employees Group Insurance.
•  NPS Payment – 10% of Basic + Dearness Allowance
•  Income Tax Deductions.

IES Officer Allowances & Benefits:

The list of allowances and benefits enjoyed by an IES Officer is listed as follows:

• CGHS medical facility
• Dearness Allowance
• Domestic Servant
• Driver
• Gratuity
• Leave Encashment
• Leave Travel Allowance/ Tour Allowance
• Official Vehicle
• Peon
• Personal Assistant
• Provident Fund
• Residential Quarters or HRA

IES Salary Promotions:

• In the starting of their career after selection, they are designated as an Assistant Executive Engineer or Assistant Director.
• After the experience of 3 to 4 years, they are promoted to executive engineer, director or work manager. 
• In completion of 8 years of services, they become deputy general manager or joint director.
• Over 13 years of experience, they are able to get promoted to joint general manager or chief engineer of level 2.
• After 20 years of experience is enough to become a chief engineer or additional general manager.
• Providing 30 years of services to the government of India able them to be in the position of senior general manager or engineer-in-chief.
• The best performance of the IES officers with experience of 34 years leads them to become chairman or managing director of a governmental organisation.

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CAREER AS LAB TECHNICIAN

 

Laboratory technician is a skilled professional who analyses biological specimen using scientific, technical methods for the purpose of diagnosis of a disease. Their job mainly involves collection of samples, analysis, creating report of the investigation. They are trained to gain expertise in usage of machines, scientific techniques of analysis, arrangement of equipment, maintenance of equipment etc. When a doctor needs 100% confirmation about the presence of a particular disease in a patient, the doctor asks the patient to go for lab tests. Based on the lab reports and investigations, doctor confirms the diagnosis and proceeds to further treatment of the patient.

DUTIES OF A LAB TECHNICIAN:

• Lab technicians can work in blood banks. The main job in blood banks is to draw blood from donors (phlebotomy), labelling the date and other information on the collected blood sample, maintaining the records and documents of blood samples, storage of the collected blood.

• Blood grouping tests(A, B, O types), blood cell counting, testing the donor and recipient blood samples during blood transfusion, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and other blood tests are done by lab technicians.

• Platelet functioning is also analysed by lab technicians. They perform coagulation tests and report clotting time of blood, bleeding time of blood, platelet count etc. to investigate for the presence of any diseases related to blood, kidney diseases and liver diseases.

• In microbiology labs, they analyse biological specimens like faecal matter, urine, blood, sputum, synovial fluid, cerebro spinal fluid, semen and vaginal fluids to detect the presence of disease-causing micro-organisms. They analyse the specimens for any bacteria, parasites, viruses, which cause diseases. They perform culture methods to grow bacterial colonies and are also familiar with many sterilization techniques.

• Examination of these biological specimens is also helpful in investigation for the presence of parasites like protozoans, worms like tape worm, round worm, hook worm etc.

• Biochemical analysis of body fluids is also performed by lab technicians to investigate the levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose, urea, bilirubin, plasma proteins, hormonal levels etc. which help in diagnosis of diabetes, kidney and liver diseases.

• They perform immunological tests like agglutination test, precipitation test, blot test etc. to examine the presence of antibodies in the blood. Recent example is the rapid test for COVID-19. They examine the presence of antigens, immunoglobulins, proteins synthesised by viruses and help in the diagnosis of auto-immune diseases, tuberculosis (TB), AIDS, allergic reactions etc. 

• In pathology labs, they examine samples of tissues from effected organs, histological examinations are performed for diagnostic investigations of several diseases. They also investigate for tumours, tumour markers for diagnosis of cancer.

• After performing the tests, they prepare lab reports which help in diagnosing a disease.

HOW TO BECOME A LAB TECHNICIAN:

• After 10+2 (Intermediate BiPC), one can go for Bachelor of Science in Medical Laboratory Technology(BMLT) also called B.Sc. MLT. This is a 3-year undergraduate course.

• After 10+2, (BiPC), one can also go for Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology (DMLT) which is a 2-year course.

JOB TYPES:

• Laboratory technician: The duties of a lab technician have already been discussed above. With experience, one can become a senior laboratory assistant.

• Assistant Lab Technician: The duties are almost same as laboratory technician like collection of samples, arranging the equipment, sterilization of the equipment etc.

• Lab supervisor: The main duty of a lab supervisor is to oversee the processes of testing, observe the condition of machinery used for testing, quality checking of the equipment, implementation of safety measures in the laboratories.

• Lab manager: Their main duty is to conduct tests, implementation and observation of safety and quality guidelines, ordering and maintenance of lab equipment stock. They play a vital role in smooth functioning of a laboratory.

QUALITIES TO BECOME A LAB TECHNICIAN:

• Good practical knowledge

• Good skill

• Attention to detail

• Good analytical skills

• Good memory

• Ability to multitask

• Good observation skills

AREAS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Hospitals

• Diagnostic labs

• Blood banks

• Pathology labs

• Microbiology labs

• Biochemistry labs

• Virology labs

• Urology labs

SALARIES OF A LAB TECHNICIAN:

The starting salary of a lab technician ranges from Rs.15,000-Rs.50,000 per month. Based on experience and position, the salary can be as high as Rs.90,000 per month.

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