What Is Web3? The Future of Web3 and How It Will Affect The Job Market.
February 7th, 2023
Last Updated on February 7th, 2023
This text was fully written by humans.
SUMMARY / KEY TAKEAWAYS
The Internet has become the center of our (professional) lives: the destination for discussing with our coworkers, deploying our projects, but also, seeking new career opportunities. But the structure of the Internet is liquid: it is a dynamic marketplace undergoing rapid development.
In this article, we address the questions: what does the keyword “web3” mean? How does it differ from “web2” and what can it offer to the users? How will web3 likely influence the recruitment industry and the job market in the long term?
Lastly, we list a few professions that will get popularized in web3. If you are still at school and interested in tech, perhaps it might be a career direction for you! This kind of variety is exactly why exploring tech industry career paths for non-engineers is worth taking seriously.
Table of Contents
- What Does Web3 Mean, Actually and How Will In Change the World As We Know It?
- Why Is Web3 Becoming a Hot Topic Nowadays?
- The History of the Developments From Web1 to Web3
- The Key Web3 Components / Features
- How Will Web3 Change The Approach To Recruiting?
- The Recruitment Challenges in the Web3 Era
- Forthcoming Web3 Professions
- Conclusion: The Future of Web3 and How It Will Affect The Job Market
What Does Web3 Mean, Actually and How Will In Change the World As We Know It?
The Internet has become the center of our (professional) lives. It is the destination for discussing with our coworkers, deploying our projects, and also seeking new career opportunities. Keeping an eye on labor market trends for professionals helps you spot where the Internet economy is headed next.
But the structure of the Internet is not steady: it is a dynamic marketplace that is under an ongoing development. According to the common consensus, web3 is the future of the Internet.
But what does the keyword “web3” even mean? In the most general terms, web3 is a decentralized web architecture. Notably, it allows users to interact with each other without the need for intermediaries.
This means that the Internet goes “back to the people:” the users can control their own data and transactions, without the need for centralized organizations like banks or governments. Additionally, they avoid centralized servers controlled by corporations like Meta or Google.
The decentralized nature of web3 implies far higher security. Moreover, it offers greater efficiency than the current, centralized model of the Internet. Using the Internet without intermediaries also has the potential to be much more user-friendly. As a result, users will be able to control their own data and online transactions.
But how is this trustless, decentralized web architecture even possible? The blockchain technology that powers web3, is a secure, tamper-proof way of recording and sharing data. This means that users can trust the accuracy of the data on the network, since no one can change or steal it at any time.
In this article, we introduce the main concepts behind web3. Next, we review the ways in which web3 will change our user experience online. Finally, we speculate how web3 will influence the job market in general, from new practices in recruitment to the potential new jobs and professions.
Why Is Web3 Becoming a Hot Topic Nowadays?
“Web3” is one of the hottest topics in tech these days. However, ever since ChatGPT came out, many of the “web3 experts” literally have become AI experts overnight…. Part of it is due to the usual suspects: hype, marketing, and the fear of losing out on the next great thing. This phenomenon is also known as the FOMO effect.
However, the explosion of interest in web3 also reflects something deeper. It reflects the body of wealth, skill, and passion coming into the crypto industry following a few years of the crypto bull market.
Venture capital companies have invested more than $27 billion in crypto-related projects in 2021 alone. In fact, this is more crypto investment than in the previous ten years combined, with a large portion of that funding going to web3 initiatives. Twitter and Reddit, the two online heavyweight players, have started experimenting with their individual web3 projects.
This shift in corporate and venture capital interest toward web3 has become a magnet for IT talent. As a result, many workers at large tech organizations are leaving their secure employment to pursue careers in the brand new world of web3.
The History of the Developments From Web1 to Web3.
Web 1.0.
Web1 refers to the Internet in the 1990s and early 2000s. It was the Internet of blogs and message boards. Additionally, it also included the early online platforms such as AOL and CompuServe. The majority of what users did on web1 was passively viewing static web pages. Developers created most of these pages using “open protocols” such as HTTP, SMTP, and FTP.
Web 2.0.
Web2 was the next era of the Internet. Beginning about 2005, it saw the dominance of online behemoths such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. In web2 (or Web 2.0, as it was often known at the time), users began generating and uploading their own content. They actively engaged in the development of the Internet rather than passively consuming it.
However, large corporations monetized most of that activity. These companies maintained the majority, if not all, of the revenue and power to manage users’ data for themselves.
Web 3.0.
Web3 combines the accessible infrastructure of web1 with the public engagement of web2. Consequently, it will likely replace these centralized, corporate platforms with open protocols and decentralized, community-powered networks.
The table below summarizes the fundamental differences between Web 1.0, Web 2.0, and Web 3.0.
How Will Web3 Change The Approach To Recruiting?
When you think about it, today’s recruitment methods follow a quite simple and conservative approach. Namely, you publish a job advertisement and collect a number of applications. Then, you examine resumes (with or without bots involved…), preselect candidates, arrange a round of interviews, and hire. However, when Web3 becomes the new reality, each of these stages might entirely change.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, computer and information technology occupations already carry a median annual wage of $109,470 and keep adding roughly 280,000 openings a year — a baseline worth keeping in mind as emerging fields like Web3 reshape what those roles look like.
1. Evidence-Based Recruiting in Web3.
Consider how web3 companies find and hire great individuals for their own positions.
While conventional hiring largely depends on job listings, Web3 businesses take a more active approach. Specifically, they scout employees via LinkedIn or reaching out to prospective candidates via Discord, Twitter, and hackathons.
Additionally, verifying a candidate’s skill set and employment experience in web3 domain is rather simple. For instance, employers can easily identify the top achievers in tech by their activity on GitHub or Twitter, as well as an on-chain history of actions and projects.
Almost any IT project today is open-source and community-driven. This is why automated software will be able to find open-access software contributors and assess their skill and talent. It does so by evaluating the snippets of code marked as their individual input to the project.
As Morgan Beller, General Partner at, explains, web3 recruiting differs from traditional resumes. Namely, you can’t fudge the facts or hide your lack of skill.
Other Web3 fans have also spoken. Greg Isenberg, CEO of Web3 design firm Late Checkout Studio. For example, he tweeted about gaining a job in Web3:
“How it will work. Step 1: You apply for a job. Step 2: It scans the blockchain and rates your set of on chain experiences and credentials. Step 3: If above a certain rating, you’re hired within 60 seconds. No prejudice, no wasted time, no pain — just a quick yes or no. This is a big deal.”
2. The Job Market Will Undergo a Major Transformation.
Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs) are working collective of independent workers who work on projects on equal terms. Trustless community government systems enabled by blockchains enable their functioning. Because of the rise of the DAOs, many Web3 recruiters regard potential workers as collaborators rather than employees.
Braintrust, for example, pitches itself as the “first decentralized talent network.” Platforms like this represent a new kind of talent intelligence solutions for recruiters looking beyond traditional job boards. Its mission is to democratize the freelance work environment for both corporations and people. Freelancers on Braintrust are not required to contact clients through marketplaces such as Upwork or Fiverr. Notably, these platforms take a large portion of the freelance revenue.
Braintrust operates using a decentralized governance model. The organization charges no fees to talent, and charges customers a 10% fee to cover operating costs. Each network user gets tokens for contributing to the network’s growth. This happens by taking part in bounties such as recommending Braintrust to talent and bringing new clients to the platform.
If organizations like Braintrust gain traction, a talent using popular, commercial marketplaces may move to connecting with customers through decentralized networks instead. This shift would benefit both sides.
3. HR Professionals Will Have Access To “Objectively Validated” Human Resources.
Because employers will be able to access a candidate’s profile and experience immediately through blockchain, they may not have to wait for job seekers to contact them through traditional job postings. Consequently, they can skip the traditional application process.
Given the easy access to online information, employers will be able to objectively analyze candidates’ abilities and expertise through their web3 profile. This is because no one can manipulate the information stored on the blockchain.
This might accelerate and improve the employment process and save time on active scouting, assessment exams, and job interviews. Aleksi Loytynoja, a creator of Web3 talent business Kleoverse, summarized this point in the new edition of the HR Tech GTM podcast. Namely, he called it “the capacity to create a profile of objectively validated talent.”
Analysts like Aleksi believe that businesses may use the blockchain’s objective and “trustless” chain of proof as a recruiting tool. In turn, this tool can locate talent and analyze it for job fit in seconds.
4. Proactive Recruiting Will Take Precedence Over Job Sites.
The majority of web3 communities are currently hosted on the platform Discord. Meanwhile, Web3 creators and supporters debate on social media mostly through Twitter. In a way, in the world of web3, Twitter is like a bar to chit chat and gossip. Meanwhile, Discord is like an office or a hackerspace where people actually build projects.
Plus, because coding is a hands-on skill pivotal for web3 contributors, it’s reasonable that web3 companies are more interested in Github profiles than resumes. Occasionally, employers also take the GitCoin profile into account — GitCoin is a blockchain-powered site where you may get paid to work on open source projects.
This is also why, as a professional, you should pay more attention than ever to becoming visible online. Additionally, you should skillfully and patiently develop your personal brand through platforms such as LinkedIn. Get yourself noticed by staying active and consistent! For more advice on how to develop your LinkedIn presence, please check our articles. See:
The Key Web3 Components / Features.
Web 3.0, or web3, was a term coined in 2006 by the New York Times‘ journalist John Markoff. Specifically, he used it to describe the next stage of the Internet revolution. Web3 technology will integrate certain technologies and applications. Below, we list a glossary of the key features of web3.
The Semantic Web represents the ultimate phase in the growth of the Internet. The Semantic Web maximizes the ability to create, exchange, and integrate content.
Computers can interpret the data on a conscious level by combining semantic skills with ordinary language analysis. As a result, search results become quicker and more accurate. As a result, they grow more intelligent and better meet the users’ demand.
3D Graphics: Three-dimensional design widely employed in Web 3.0 websites and services, including tourist (for instance, museum) guides, computer games, eCommerce, geographical settings, et cetera.
Connectivity: Because of semantic metadata, information is more densely linked in Web 3.0. As a result, the user experience advances to a new level that takes advantage of all accessible knowledge.
Accessibility: users can access Internet services and information at every point through any technology, not just desktops and phones. In many respects, the access to the Internet is already omnipresent, but the proliferation of new Internet of Things (IoT) devices will push the accessibility to new heights.
Blockchain: Blockchain technology protects and encrypts user data. This can effectively stop major corporations from dominating or exploiting consumers’ personal datasets.
Decentralization: To maintain the datasets delayed in a decentralized way, online communication systems enable peer-to-peer data exchange. Users retain control of their data and digital assets and may log in safely and anonymously via the Internet.
Edge Computing: Today, high computational cost burdens the functioning of the Internet. For instance, complex apps and online environments necessary to use cutting-edge VR technology and to build and expand the Metaverse require significant computing power.
However, web 3.0 also enables the advancement of edge computing. This means computation and data processing happen at the user end of the network: on mobile phones, computers, in sensors, and even in smart automobiles.
Socializing in Web3.
Because web3 aims to rule out big institutional players, its social structure is becoming more complex. Fediverse is a complete guide into the world of decentralized, autonomous networks.
Or, in other words, it is a collection of community-owned, ad-free, decentralized, and privacy-centric social networks. A complete map of the social life in web3. Examples of popular networks and platforms included in Fediverse are as follows: Hubzilla, Mastodon, Pleroma, PeerTube.
The Recruitment Challenges in the Web3 Era.
This progress in recruitment in web3 may appear to be part of the internet’s sunny future. It’s the future that we’ve all been hoping for. However, a sequence of recorded Web3 failures tells a different story. Several of the enthusiastic claims concerning Web3 are theoretical at best and completely impractical at worst.
We’ve compiled a list of the major issues associated with the Web3 employment model:
1. Lack of Commitment.
Candidates may work many full-time jobs, reducing their commitment to the success of any particular organization. Team member retention may become more difficult in Web3. This is exactly why a solid talent assessment framework for organizations matters more in decentralized teams, not less. Workers are actively recruited and motivated to leave for more appealing projects and renumeration packages.
Obviously, this phenomenon also occurs in Web2. However, owing to the decentralized nature of Web3, employees may find it even simpler to make these moves in the near future. This might pose serious issues especially for early-stage firms that rely on highly devoted and faithful personnel.
2. Blockchain Infrastructure Is Still Not Predictable Nor Fully Accessible.
The Web3 remuneration model depends on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies as a method of payment. As a result, it may be discriminatory towards job candidates who do not wish to get engaged with cryptocurrencies.
Moreover, the dollar comparative of cryptocurrencies is highly unstable. Consequently, many of the top projects, such as Luna Terra, get bankrupt in a matter of hours.
The involvement of cryptocurrencies in the labor market may also have an impact on job hunters. Specifically, this affects those residing in countries such as Algeria, Bangladesh, China, Egypt, Iraq, Morocco, Nepal, Qatar and Tunisia, where using cryptocurrencies is strictly prohibited.
3. Privacy-Related Issues.
Candidates and businesses with strict privacy policies may be hesitant to publish their whole employment history on a blockchain. Furthermore, the anonymity of web3 can make it difficult to deal with identification issues. This is especially true for those from oppressed minorities and social groups.
Forthcoming Web3 Professions.
There is now a lot of discussion around the future course of Web 3.0. If you’re a tech nerd, you are probably aware of how far the Internet has come since the 1990s.
What is the source of this progress? People’s faith in the good future coming from technology. As a result, an increasing number of professionals — especially the members of the young generation Z — are considering careers in Web 3.0. For many young professionals, this is also a practical answer to how to transition into a tech career without a traditional background.
According to some projections, by 2026, 25% of all consumers will spend at least one hour a day in the virtual world. This time will go toward work, marketing, schooling, socializing, or entertainment.
The adoption of blockchain not only allows for building decentralized, trustless protocols. It also opens the door for new business models and ecosystems. As an example, the Decentralized Finance (DeFi) is used across a variety of industries, including healthcare, supply chain, gaming, Internet of Things (IoT), digital identity, and banking. This list could go on and on.
Here are four examples of occupations that will likely be in high demand in the Web 3.0 space:
1. Blockchain (Software) Developer.
Because of the technology-driven nature of web3, most of the professions listed here may already exist in tech today. However, web3 will modify, or upgrade, them.
A Blockchain software developer creates web apps based on protocols created by web architects and blockchain core developers. Similarly, a web developer creates web applications based on protocols supplied by web architects and web core developers.
As a blockchain engineer, you’ll almost certainly be working on Ethereum or Bitcoin. These are two of the world’s major blockchain networks. As part of their work, they design and develop blockchain applications and review them. Then, they use the technology to construct systems or apps that benefit their organization.
Essentially, blockchain software developers build decentralized applications (or, dApps) on top of Blockchain infrastructure using currently available technologies. Overall, teams accomplish this through the development and implementation of smart contracts on the Blockchain. Solidity and Substrate are two of the basic frameworks required for the job.
2. UI | UX Designer.
Teams design blockchain-based products and services in the same way as any other product. However, there is an issue. Namely, since Blockchain is difficult for most individuals to understand, as a designer, you must apply the KISS method (also known as “Keep it simple, stupid!”).
Tight communication with developers and users is critical for bringing your product to market. It is necessary to provide a consistent user experience throughout the development process, and eliminate any possible technological complexity obstacles.
3. Community Manager.
Anyone in today’s crypto industry will tell you that the most important factor of success in building decentralized applications (or, dApps) is the community. This holds true across the industry. Therefore, Community Managers are and will remain in great demand. This role is a great example of how to break into tech without a CS degree, since community skills matter more than coding here. This is especially true for those with experience in the crypto realm and with exposure on social media platforms such as Discord, Reddit, Twitter, and others.
The success as a Community Manager is not only about accumulating followers. It also is not just blasting out one ad after another, or even responding to users’ comments. It is also about educating the community members, patrons, investors, and enthusiasts. Specifically, this means keeping them up to date on your application, your team’s ideas, the product development, and the general sentiment in the market sector.
In the near future, Community Managers will only gain in relevance. Paid commercials, SEO, and influencers are good for businesses. However, at the end of the day, a community spirit and a friend’s endorsement of a product matter even more for businesses.
Of course, the community extends beyond just your Discord channel; it is also your overall brand identity. Influencers, cooperating businesses and individuals all contribute to community-driven innovations. Today, any firm’s fundaments is form relationships.
For more information, please see our article “Community Manager: The New, Hot Job For Those Who Love People.”
4. Web3 Designer.
Needless to say, there will always be a need for (digital) designers, such as a Digital Product Designer. For businesses, it becomes increasingly important to develop and maintain an impressive digital presence. Additionally, they must keep up with the newest standards in this domain.
Without the assistance of a professional, AI-assisted content production can only go so far. Meanwhile, metaverse giants such as Meta promise an almost unlimited desire for creative, well-thought-out, and well-executed designs.
Therefore, designers will play an important role in the growth of Web3. As the internet becomes more decentralized, more small businesses will require designers. They will turn to freelancers, agencies, or in-house designers for help.
While designers craft the outward appearance and user experience for Web3 ventures, small businesses must also carefully manage the underlying financial infrastructure. In particular, decentralized technologies introduce new accounting complexities that necessitate specialized solutions like crypto accounting software. Accurately tracking and reporting transactions involving various digital assets ensures compliance and financial stability in this evolving economic landscape. This is a crucial element for sustained growth beyond just aesthetic appeal.
For more information, please see our article “Careers in Digital Product Design.”
Conclusion: The Future of Web3 and How It Will Affect The Job Market.
Web3 will fundamentally change the structure of the Internet as we know it. It will also allow for new, more democratic ways of using the Internet. One example is a decentralized web search.
New, decentralized search engines will not rely on central servers or large tech companies to operate. As a result, they will allow for searching information online more objectively, without putting any money in the pockets of online giants like Google.
Thanks to the new, decentralized marketplaces, online shopping habits can also improve. Specifically, they enable users to interact with each other and with applications more directly and securely.
Mind that despite this huge technological progress and maturation of the world wide web, not much will change from the perspective of the Internet user. At least, this is true when transitioning from web2 to web3, not from the frontend perspective.
Web3 will mean more plurality online and a new, more democratic way of governing the data. But other than that, the features and functionalities that the Internet offers will remain similar to the users.
Remember that regardless if you participate in web2 or web3, using Internet is like playing a Nervo game of sorts. You try to (1) Complete your tasks and achieve your goals, (2) Maintain your peace of mind. While the whole rest of the world tries to grab your time and attention. It also tries to frighten you or make you angry. Overall, you need to brace yourself and prepare for distractors and multiple pitfalls in your future life online.
However, whatever your professional skills are, the third generation of the Internet will most likely offer new opportunities. These opportunities will be exciting for you. Of course, understanding the structure of the Internet, the mechanisms behind blockchain, marketing, and the general development in the IT industry will help. Specifically, it will make it easier for you to pave your way in this new world. For more predictions on the future of the job market in times of web3, please see Natalia Bielczyk’s lecture “Are we Doomed? AI and Your Job.”
Back in the early 2000s, nobody could have expected that individuals could make a living solely from online jobs. Yet here we are. Only time will tell what wonders a blockchain-based Internet would bring to us.
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