Irish Attitudes To Career In Blockchain

A new survey has found that one in five Irish millennials would not consider a career in blockchain technology. The research, which focused on people's attitudes to, and knowledge of, blockchain technology, revealed that 18% of 25-34-year-olds believe their educational background is not suitable enough to pursue a career in this field. The study, which was carried out by Amárach Research and surveyed 1,000 Irish people, also found more than half of those that wouldn’t consider a career in blockchain technology won’t because they do not know what it is, and almost 2 in 5 cite a lack of information as a reason.

The underlying technology behind bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, blockchain is a digital, chronological and immutable record of transactions. Ireland has cemented its status as one of Europe’s leading technology hubs, and over the last two years has witnessed financial service behemoths such as Deloitte and Mastercard announce blockchain-related jobs in Dublin. Key Findings from the study: One quarter of respondents would consider a career in blockchain technology, with males, younger cohorts, and those living in Dublin more interested. Females are less likely to consider a career in blockchain compared to men. 11% said their educational background was not suitable compared to 10% of men. Meanwhile 61% of females indicated that they do not know what blockchain technology is. This is in stark contrast to just 44% of males. The highest proportion of those who stated that they do not know what blockchain technology is came from the 45-54-year-olds (62%) followed closely by the 55+ group (54%). Fear of instability is significantly higher among 35-54-year-olds, with 10% citing this as a reason they wouldn’t pursue a career in blockchain.

This is in stark contrast to just 3% of 18-24-year-olds. More men (9%) also quoted fear of instability in the industry than women (4%). Those living in Dublin (34%) are far more likely to consider a career in blockchain technology compared to anywhere else in the country, with the rest of Leinster (21%), Munster (23%), and Connacht/Ulster (20%) following suit. Wachsman Ireland Managing Director, Emma Walker, said: “Our homegrown talent boasts one of the most highly-skilled and educated workforces in the world, yet one in five Irish millennials would not consider a career in blockchain technology because they don’t feel they have the ‘right’ background. This is one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding blockchain and, with demand for blockchain technology experts skyrocketing both in Ireland and abroad, it’s important people realise that a career is blockchain stretches far beyond a computer science, business, or finance degree. ”She continued, “As the technology is still very much in its nascent stages finding the talent remains a challenge, and if we are to leverage Ireland’s potential as a global blockchain hub, there is a growing need for blockchain professionals — from developers and coders, analysts and engineers, to communications and marketing professionals. ”