On 27 November, the Center for Financial Integrity held another workshop for young people, focused on professional opportunities in the digital economy.
Virtual assets are shaping a new economy that presents both opportunities and challenges. As of 2023, over 10,000 companies worldwide operate in the crypto industry, and this number continues to grow, creating new jobs. But how can young people without experience start a career in this dynamic and promising field?
These and other questions were addressed by expert Vladyslav Tsvirkun, UMDS expert and Vice President for Law Enforcement and Institutional Relations at Global Ledger, a company developing tools for analysing crypto transactions. These technologies help banks, fintech companies, and law enforcement agencies increase transparency in financial operations and combat cybercrime.
Vladyslav’s main advice is to start a career in any entry-level position within a company, such as sales, and gradually develop within the organisation. Ukraine has many fintech companies, startups, and projects that actively recruit young professionals.
Experience in startups is particularly valuable, as you do not just perform tasks but become part of a team that develops the product and shapes the company culture. This experience allows you to gain practical knowledge, take on responsibility, rapidly build professional skills, and create a strong CV that stands out in the job market.
There is a shortage of specialists in Ukrainian government agencies working with virtual assets, meaning career opportunities in this field are available not only in the private sector but also in public service.
Professions in the field of virtual assets are diverse: besides programmers and economists, there is demand for lawyers, analysts, compliance specialists, investigative journalists, marketers, and product managers. Even if your education is not directly related, willingness to learn on the job is essential.
Fluency in English is mandatory for working in the virtual assets sector. Knowledge of other languages, such as Spanish, Chinese, or German, provides an additional competitive advantage.
It is also important to understand financial processes, blockchain principles, cryptography, and basic regulatory requirements. These skills can be developed independently, utilising artificial intelligence tools. Analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and data-handling skills are additional assets, especially in startups where multiple roles often need to be performed simultaneously.
Regarding career development, Vladyslav recommends working at a company for at least a year to gain a deep understanding of processes and learn how to contribute effectively. After this, one can explore new opportunities, change companies, or advance internally into leadership or specialised roles.
The virtual assets market is growing rapidly, offering increasing opportunities for career entry. Even without prior experience, those with motivation and a willingness to develop can find their place in this sector. The expected legalisation of crypto assets in Ukraine will provide a further boost to the market and increase the number of job opportunities in the field.