Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on exactly why BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to DeFi graduate, David Kisieu. Here is his story:

Will: Tell me about yourself and what you’re doing in school?

David: I’m currently a third-year business administration student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. I recently declared for an Information Systems concentration, and I’m also part of the blockchain club at Cal Poly. We have weekly meetings, NFT workshops, and hear from company speakers.

Will: What drives your interest in crypto and web3? Why are you excited about it?

David: Personally, I think decentralized finance is going to be the future. These financial processes within centralized systems are outdated, and crypto enables new methodologies in remittance payments and many other categories of finance that cost time and money. FTX was a centralized platform, and a lot of people lost all their money. With this new technology, blockchain can transform countless industries, and I wanted to feel a part of that innovation. That’s what excites me the most.

Will: Do you have any internship or job experience in web3, or is it something that you hope to go into after graduation?

David: I definitely want to go into it after graduation. In addition, last year, I worked as an intern for Energy Web, where I did reports on all the different types of stablecoins, such as algorithmic, fiat-backed, or hybrid. I wrote reports on the coins and worked with APIs. Using my resources, I leveraged Energy Web and competitor data to create a semi-automatic list where a user can compare data and create visual diagrams.

Will: How did you learn about and get involved with BlockBeam?

David: It was through a friend of a friend that encouraged me to apply. The guest speakers were great, but what really got my interest was working on a hands-on project with a mentor. I really liked that immersive, interactive element. That’s where I got the most value. I loved doing the project, working with my team, and making connections, but the hands-on aspect is what set BlockBeam apart. I felt if I can really understand a protocol, I can use that knowledge to understand other ones too.

Will: What bootcamp did you take, and what was your experience with it?

David: I did Gateway to DeFi, and the experience was really good. The guest speakers every week were super cool, and they were really impressive being from big name companies. I also liked the group aspect, in which you’re working together and can pick people’s minds. Learning from people who potentially know more, I thought was really amazing. Also, at the end where Bennett’s sending job opportunities and interview questions, that’s super helpful, and I really appreciate that.

Will: Did you have a favorite speaker from the program or do you have a favorite memory?

David: My favorite memory would have to be meeting Luke MacDonald from Coin Metrics. I’m part of the XRP ledger campus ambassador program, and through that account, I’ve talked to many people in the ecosystem. Still, I could relate to Luke’s skillset, and he ended up working for Coin Metrics. That really stuck out and made me hopeful about the future.

Will: What did you learn while completing the final project?

David: I gained a better understanding of how protocols run on different networks. For example, I did Friktion on Solana, but each protocol can have different advantages or disadvantages, based on their platform. Friktion has different vaults for different options or strategies. I had no idea what a vault was or that each vault has a different algorithm, containing a different strategy. It’s also as if each big protocol has an active community of people backing it. That presence of community was one of the biggest factors that I didn’t know existed before.

Will: What about this program was most beneficial from a career standpoint?

David: I learned that the more we educate ourselves at this age by taking time to read white papers and trying to genuinely understand blockchain, the further ahead of the curve we will be in a few years. I think if you put your head down and genuinely try to understand it, then you’ll be fine. Blockchain is a small community, so be generous, don’t burn bridges, and be helpful when you can, because it could come back to help or haunt you.

Will: What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting their web3 journey?

David: Don’t go with the hype, and think for yourself. Ask yourself why this works or how it works or what it can add, not just what people say it can add. Because honestly I was doing that last year. So really try to understand it. Also, put yourself out there by going to the blockchain club at your school. See if you can join in on it and get to know them. Really try to educate yourself as much as possible on it, because most people won’t be.

Will: What advice would you give to those considering taking a BlockBeam bootcamp?

David: Just do it. You have nothing to lose. If anything, you’ll just get to know people and then if you’re really on the fence about DeFi or crypto as a whole, you don’t have to go into it. But if you want to do something, and then a few years pass and you didn’t do the course or you didn’t spend the time educating yourself or networking, you’re just going to be mad at yourself. So worst case scenario, you actually have nothing to lose.

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.

Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on why exactly BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to Algorand and Gateway to DeFi graduate, Pierce Brachmann. Here is his story:

Will: Could you tell me about yourself and what you’re doing in school or for work?

Pierce: I’m a senior at Tufts University, which is just north of Boston where I study economics. I plan to graduate this May, and I also help run our blockchain club here on campus. Previous work experience I have is coordinating Gateway to Algorand with BlockBeam, and I also interned at Gemini this past summer.

Will: What drives your interest in crypto and web3, why are you excited about it?

Pierce: Given recent events in the market, a quote that kind of sums it up is, “verify not trust.” I think that speaks to the nature of an open source, decentralized ledger, which is the technology that blockchain presents. We’ve seen how it’s in the best interest of people to separate money from the state, and that’s what initially drew me into crypto–the self sovereignty aspect of Bitcoin. I fell in love with the open source nature of crypto and the power derived from open source applications. That’s what glued me to crypto, and the power of personally using applications amazed me. Open sourcing this type of technology and making it freely available to people without the typical barriers that you see with these types of applications is what keeps me excited.

Will: Could you tell me about your experience interning at Gemini?

Pierce: My experience at Gemini was this summer from June to August, and that was really great, because it was my first time being exposed to the web3 world from an institutional perspective. During my time at Gemini, I was a customer experience intern. In that, my main roles were looking at their logistics and customer support from a new perspective and then offering deliverables based on what I saw. We’d identify, amongst six categories, what were the most common difficulties that customers were having and use our data to give them deliverables before offering solutions. Then we try to implement those solutions into their run book.

Will: Is web3 something that you hope to continue after graduation? What does that path forward look like to you?

Pierce: I definitely want to be in the web3 world. Ideally, I want to be a project manager, taking a holistic view of operations and seeing what can be accomplished there. I think my customer experience at Gemini helped me view crypto from the customer’s perspective, with the institutional context of what goes on in the background. That helped me decipher what’s going on, and I’m looking to use those acquired skills going forward in my web3 career.

Will: How did you get involved with BlockBeam?

Pierce: It seems like a while ago, but it was through Bennett. I had joined the Northeastern Blockchain discord, because Tufts wasn’t a very active blockchain club when compared to others in the Boston area. I wanted to be more active in the space during February, and while trying to launch a career in web3, I saw the opportunity of Gateway to Algorand. It immediately stuck out to me, and I knew I wanted to join, because I never before had the chance to be exposed to so many like-minded people in web3. I really wanted to take advantage of the opportunity, and I just dove in.

Will: What was Gateway to Algorand like and what was your experience?

Pierce: Gateway to Algorand was an opportunity to see the process that currently established projects in the Algorand ecosystem go through. You’re able to see through the lens of current projects and the challenges they battle while maneuvering the whole ecosystem. I was amazed at how many students are also super interested in web3 and crypto applications. When you first try to jump into the space, as a college student, it might be hard to find the resources or people to get you to the next level. Gateway to Algorand really facilitated that, and I’m grateful because it helped me establish myself. To me, it stands out as the foundational step in my career.

Will: What was your experience with Gateway to DeFi Data?

Pierce: My main takeaways from Gateway to DeFi were everything I learned from being exposed to speakers in the VC industry. I’ve never had any internship experience with crypto hedge funds or crypto VCs, so it was helpful to see things from their perspective. As a retail investor, it’s hard to see what’s important, but having speakers from different funds helped me see what’s important in crypto ecosystems. What really stood out was when we had Wyatt, from Shima Capital, share insights on what they look for when they start to examine upcoming projects. Going through the metrics helped me understand what’s important and shape my perspective on protocol evaluation.

Will: Were there any specific moments of mentorship that stood out to you?

Pierce: One of the most helpful moments was when we met with Wyatt, from Shima Capital. We could see how to evaluate GMX from a retail standpoint, but how can we evaluate it from the more capital intensive side of crypto VC? He actually set up a meeting with a fellow Tufts alumni from a crypto hedge fund called Khelp Crypto, whom I coincidentally had already been acquainted with. I met with him one Saturday, and that helped me understand how deciding to take on investment strategies within a fund might work and provided crucial context to how that goes down. That conversation really helped us to later portray the important metrics to look at when evaluating a protocol from a revenue standpoint.

Will: What was pitch night like?

Pierce: Doing pitch night was really fun because we prepped diligently prior. I was with a great group, including some awesome people to work alongside. Everybody was involved in their local blockchain club at their school, so everybody was passionate and eager to explore our specific project. We ended up taking home first place in the competition and I think that definitely reflects the work we put in as a group during the program.

Will: What about the programs did you find valuable from a career standpoint?

Pierce: It helps you gain perspective on how to establish yourself in the web3 space and launch your career. During the program, you hear speakers that are established in the web3 space, so you get to hear their story and journey, where each is unique. It also helps lower the barriers of entry because starting a career in web3 might seem difficult, especially if you’re diving in with no prior experience. You’ll learn that, in the program, you have all of these resources right in front of you, and they’re happy to talk with participants.

Will: Do you have any message or advice you’d give to someone who’s considering taking a BlockBeam bootcamp?

Pierce: I’d say if you’re considering it and you have availability in your schedule, you should definitely go for it. Even if you’re a little hesitant, I know I was a little hesitant when I signed up, but I’m super grateful that I did. It’s led to a lot of connections that I knew I wouldn’t have made otherwise, and it’s helped me establish a foundation for my career.

Will: Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure speaking with you.

Pierce: Thanks, Will!

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.

Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on why exactly BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to Algorand and Gateway to DeFi graduate Dani Mota. Here is his story:

Will: Could you tell me about yourself and what you’re doing for work?

Dani: Of course! I graduated in May with a finance and management degree from William Jessup University. During that time, I got involved in two cohorts with BlockBeam. One was Gateway to Algorand, in which our team won first place, and the second was Gateway to DeFi, we got third place. I had been in the web3 space from a hobby standpoint, but BlockBeam introduced me to the professional side where real problem-solving occurs. From that, I decided that I wanted to get involved in emerging technologies, and using my experience, I pitched myself to the Chief Brand Officer of Hamsa. Its creators are the architects of AliPay and the founder of SunBasket, and I am the Marketing Manager and the Business Development Manager. In my role, I assist in coordinating all things development in the South American and North American markets, and I’m also responsible for the strategy and execution of the marketing efforts.

Will: What drives your interest in crypto and web3? What about it gets you up in the morning?

Dani: It’s exciting because it’s so new. That being said, if you look at blockchain, the technology that makes crypto possible, it has the mechanics to change the financial system. Right now, I believe that we still need to develop an infrastructure for web3. We need to have a solid infrastructure before it becomes mainstream. So one of the things that wake me up is the excitement that I get to work on something brand new that has the potential to make a significant change.

Will: What did BlockBeam add to your repertoire, and how did BlockBeam enable you to get into the role that you’re in now?

Dani: I’m from William Jessup University, which is a fairly regional university. I wanted to explore and connect with communities across the globe that share the same excitement for emerging technologies. That really intrigues me because I believe technology can solve a lot of the world’s oldest problems. When I got introduced to BlockBeam, it opened the doors to the professional side of web3, not just the idea. BlockBeam introduced me to both the problems we can solve as well as the people that can help make those solutions a reality. Meeting the people, connecting with them, and networking with students from other universities really allowed me to get my foot in the door.

Will: Could you tell me about your experience with Gateway to Algorand?

Dani: So I had never heard of Algorand until the program, but once I started getting into it, I was blown away by its mechanics. I started digging into it during the program and formed a team. We had a mission-driven idea to solve the energy infrastructure problems of the US using the blockchain. Our idea was to leverage the blockchain in order to decentralize the energy system. If done properly, people won’t be dependent on a single energy utility provider. BlockBeam challenged us to really test the idea, not only generate one. I think that is a differentiator because we all have ideas, and we all dream, but it might not even be the right solution. BlockBeam set me up to have this problem-solving mindset, where I’m able to generate an idea, test it, and if it doesn’t work, pivot, and if it works, keep going.

Will: What was your experience in Gateway to DeFi?

Dani: Whereas Gateway to Algorand was more of an entrepreneurship or startup vibe, Gateway to DeFi was a lot more analysis. It was a great learning experience. We analyzed Lido, and we had an amazing team. We had a strong quantitative background, so we were able to break down the mechanics of the Lido ecosystem in order to generate insights. The program really helped me develop an analytical mindset toward problem-solving. Everything has data, you just have to look for it and know how to read it. That’s what the DeFi program taught me.

Will: What do you think about these programs being beneficial from a career standpoint?

Dani: From a career standpoint, web3 is very new and there’s a lot of hype. But the value proposition of BlockBeam is direct networking with other students along with the aspect of mentorship. I believe that any boot camp that has mentorship is really a standout because web3 is so new. A lot of people have questions about new technologies. If you asked me about Ethereum three years ago, that Ethereum is completely different from the one today because the technology has changed. Technology fundamentally changes, so having a mentor break it down for you is essential. That’s what I think differentiates BlockBeam.

Will: Having worked in the industry now, what advice would you give to someone that’s just starting out their web3 journey?

Dani: Be fearless, be gutsy. Those are the two big ones. People are opinionated because it’s a new space. They think their perception of it is the only one and that’s it. Fearlessness comes in when you’re not afraid to say what you think. If we want web3 to become mainstream, we have to tackle all the problems even if they’re uncomfortable. So it’s being fearless of human interaction. I’d say that’s number one. Number two is being gutsy–having the guts to solve complicated problems and test innovative solutions. It’s being gutsy in the sense of not being intimidated by the turmoil, news, or so-called experts.

Will: What advice would you give to someone considering a BlockBeam boot camp?

Dani: Like the Nike slogan, just do it. You’re not going to find any other kind of quality that BlockBeam can offer. BlockBeam gives you mentorship, networks, and a way to engage with people that share the same passion. It’s more people-centric, and people always provide better value than books. They share their experiences, opinions, struggles, or perception of a certain problem, and that’s invaluable. That’s why I encourage students to take BlockBeam because it’s an amazing network of opportunities. People even work on projects together after completing a program. And finally, it’s a fantastic mentorship and networking experience.

Will: Awesome, Dani. Thank you so much for your time, I really appreciate it.

Dani: Thank you!

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.

Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on why exactly BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to DeFi graduate, Krishna Bliss. Here is his story:

Will: Could you tell me about yourself and what you’re currently working on?

Krishna: I go to Elon University where I’m studying finance and statistics. At Elon, I picked up the responsibility of running the blockchain club. Elon is a liberal arts school, so we don’t have huge computer science or engineering programs. We have finance, marketing, and business students, and we’re working to find an intersection between that and crypto. Personally, I have been an avid crypto advocate since I discovered Bitcoin in late 2014. I was mesmerized by the idea, and although I didn’t have a bank account or any money at the time, I received some tips in Bitcoin through the kindness of others. I completely forgot about it for a couple of years until 2017. From there, I started speculating. You could say I drank the Kool-Aid on a lot of projects and communities and learned to have a healthy cynicism and skepticism about crypto that successful participants need. Now, I’m seeing a growing intersection between crypto and traditional finance, so I’ve been pursuing research and trading roles for my employment.

Will: How did you get involved with BlockBeam and what inspired you to apply?

Krishna: Through my club I ended up getting connected with Bennett, as he was formerly with Blockchain Education Network before founding BlockBeam. We started talking about how we could partner the club and BlockBeam when he suggested that I apply for the program. I wasn’t expecting anything, but I was accepted, so I jumped into the group. I was really happy to have that opportunity to speak with people in the industry.

Will: What bootcamp did you take and what was your experience?

Krishna: I took Gateway to DeFi. First, I watched the intro videos, which I think were helpful for people to learn what are AMMs, non-fungible tokens, etc. Later in the program, we had industry calls, in which I really enjoyed asking questions of the speakers. When we were creating our pitch for GMX, we were able to speak with Wyatt from Shima Capital. We spoke with him pretty early into the four weeks, and he helped us develop the framework by which we would evaluate the protocol. We were thinking of blocking it out, talking about the technical design, etc. He suggested we take a step back and think about the product vertical, namely, decentralized perpetuals — why are they popular? What’s their future? What’s their TAM? That helped us avoid jumping down a rabbit hole. Although I think technical design is more important than most investors think, a venture capital or startup perspective made for a better pitch.

Will: What did you learn while completing the final project?

Krishna: I definitely learned about the protocol. More so though, I’ve always looked at crypto from a tactical perspective. Evaluating projects from a venture or startup perspective was something I didn’t fully understand before I went in. It’s probably my cynicism and skepticism of the startup model and whether the economics make sense, but understanding the market they’re trying to address rather than throwing a product into the world and seeing if it works. That was something I didn’t think so deeply on, so understanding that perspective was immensely helpful.

Will: Do you have a favorite memory from the program or a favorite speaker?

Krishna: I really enjoyed speaking with Salmaan Qadir from Galaxy Digital. He had just published this big opus on crypto gaming. He broke down how monetization in gaming evolved over time. According to him, we seem to be repeating a lot of the iterative mistakes, fads, and phases of traditional gaming. But he did the research and found the historical support to suggest that it’s time for crypto gaming to take a step back and seriously reevaluate its raison d’etre

Will: What about this program was beneficial from a career standpoint?

Krishna: I think the first thing is the exposure to different people. I’ve applied to some of the firms that we spoke with, and I’ve reached out to the speakers hoping they can help me along. Now that I’m wrapping up with recruiting, I want to put a lot more focus into my club, and the connections that I made are going to be instrumental in getting students engaged. The ability to connect outside of Elon is going to allow the executive board and everyone else in the club the opportunity to reach jobs in crypto. So, I strongly believe those connections will be helpful for everyone.

Will: What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out their crypto or web3 journey?

Krishna: I would say focus on the first principles. Read the Bitcoin whitepaper. If it completely bores you, then maybe there’s something else that draws you to crypto, whether that’s product design, UX, marketing, or something else. I think we’re having a bit of a confidence crisis in crypto. We’re heading into territory with increased regulations and slowing investment, where the fundamentals matter a lot. There was a long time where people were worried if Bitcoin was secure or not, and we take that for granted now. That trust spread to where it shouldn’t have been, and now we’re reeling it back. So get comfortable with not trusting things at first shot, because you don’t have the same protections you have in traditional industries.

Will: I agree. It will be interesting to see how the community will respond. There will likely be two boats. One that calls for increased cooperation with regulatory bodies and one that leads a huge push toward DeFi and decentralization.

Krishna: Neither camp is right, because there’s a value judgment embedded in there. I would say I lean towards the latter, the decentralized one. We’ll see if crypto survives as more than just a web3 branding for financial products. There’s going to be millions of users using financial products that have crypto elements, but all these things we’ve talked about are sliding scales, and that’s fine.

Will: That’s a great point. So, what advice would you give to someone considering taking a BlockBeam bootcamp?

Krishna: I’d say that the commitment is meaningful, but it’s not overbearing. You will get screen time with industry leaders and industry members. It will help change your perspective on crypto, whether you’re new or old. In my case, it definitely did. Lastly, you’re going to be able to meet cohort fellows who are like-minded, in that they are really curious, kind, and helpful to each other.

Will: It sounds like you had an incredible experience, and I appreciate your perspective. Thanks for meeting with me. It was a pleasure!

Krishna: Thank you, Will. Take care!

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.

Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on why exactly BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to Algorand and Gateway to DeFi graduate, Annabelle Davis. Here is her story:

Will: Could you tell me a little bit about yourself and what you’re doing, either in school or for work?

Annabelle: I’m a non-traditional student and a mom of two. I have a regular nine to five job working with mentally disabled adults. We do woodworking and resin pouring, and I provide them a safe area to work. BlockBeam has been something that I can do in my free time. I recently finished my business administration degree, and I found these cohorts through LinkedIn. I love how I am actively learning and involved because that’s how I learn best. I’ve completed Gateway to Algorand and more recently, Gateway to DeFi. Through the programs, I’ve learned that I’m very much a big picture person and less of an analyst. I like being creative, and I’ve really taken off with what I’ve developed since starting with BlockBeam.

Will: That’s amazing. I love that story and seeing how BlockBeam is furthering your ambitions. Could you tell me about what drives your interest in crypto and web3?

Annabelle: I think like most people, I started out by investing. I made some money a couple years ago, and that’s when I decided that I wanted to know how blockchain works and what the mechanics were. I started googling the basics, and it took off from there. With the market being how it is, I’ve found that learning how to build in the space is infinitely more valuable than throwing money into an altcoin and hoping it appreciates. I take pride in finding real life problems and building better solutions. Most recently, I’ve been focusing on on-chain estate planning.

Will: Do you have any internship or job experience in web3, or is it something that you hope to move into at some point in the future?

Annabelle: I’ve been speaking with people in the BlockBeam alumni group to work on furthering our startups. I would love to find my place in a web3 career, but it seems my vision for estate planning has taken off to where I would rather pursue it as an entrepreneur.

Will: That seems like a perfect use case for blockchain technology, so I can see how the alumni channel would be a great resource to further that. How did you get involved with BlockBeam initially?

Annabelle: Absolutely. I went to the Permissionless conference last June where I met some people. One, who had gone through Gateway to Algorand, shared about BlockBeam on LinkedIn. After seeing what BlockBeam was doing, I decided to apply. I had never worked with an international team or worked remotely before the program. Still, I was able to come with my own background and contribute. You see, I grew up in a photography studio, so design has come quite naturally to me. I was able to apply my skills with team members that had backgrounds in computer science, economics, and user experience. It was awesome watching us combine our unique skills to create really meaningful work.

Will: I can relate to that. Coming from a business school, BlockBeam provided me a great way to branch out and work with people from different disciplines. Could you tell me about your experience with Gateway to Algorand?

Annabelle: Well, I’ve had this idea for quite a while with estate planning on-chain, and in Gateway to Algorand I was able to flesh it out and make it more concrete as opposed to a vague idea. It was also helpful to learn about other applications people are building in the space, such as sarcophagus.io, and FortKnoxster. I could never find those companies before with my own research, so having knowledgeable participants and mentors to bounce ideas off was invaluable.

Will: What about Gateway to DeFi? What was that experience like?

Annabelle: I had never worked with SQL before Gateway to DeFi, so developing that skillset was really new and interesting. There are so many variables to look at and condense down into a coherent 12-minute pitch. It was challenging, but we did it successfully. That was extremely rewarding, because I had never done an investment thesis before the program.

Will: What about these programs did you find beneficial from a career standpoint?

Annabelle: First would have to be having hands-on experience. Usually, to get that experience you have to land a job or internship, but BlockBeam is like its own internship. Putting on your resume that you researched and developed an investment thesis or created a startup in a BlockBeam bootcamp definitely makes it stand out. On top of all that, it gives you the benefit to network with people in the industry.

Will: If you were to give advice to someone just starting out their journey in crypto and web3, what advice would you give to them?

Annabelle: Do it and ask questions along the way. There’s so much to learn, and everyone has to start somewhere. Web3 is a broad topic with so many categories in it, so you have to learn while staying centered. BlockBeam allows you to stay centered enough to get a good grasp on topics before moving on.

Will: That’s definitely good advice. Going off of the last question, what advice would you give to someone considering taking a BlockBeam bootcamp?

Annabelle: It’s awesome. It’s only five or six weeks long, and you’ll definitely learn something out of it. Maybe you’ll learn that it’s not your career path, or maybe you learn that this is your life’s passion. If so, you’ve dedicated those five weeks to getting skills under your belt. Now you can move forward with the mentors you’ve met or follow up with some of the VCs on the calls. Taking a bootcamp provides a lot of open door opportunities.

Will: Thank you so much, Annabelle. It’s been great getting to know you a bit better. Thank you for your time.

Annabelle: No problem! Thank you.

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.

Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on why exactly BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to DeFi graduate, Ansh Dalia. Here is his story:

Will: Could you tell me about yourself and what you’re doing in school?

Ansh: I’m a first year student at Georgia Tech, studying business. At Tech, there’s various business concentrations. So for me, I’m going to be concentrating in information tech management or ITM. I’m most likely going to minor in computer science, and I’m looking to get a finance certificate as well.

Will: Congrats. That sounds exciting. So what drives your interest in crypto and web3?

Ansh: One of my friends was into cryptocurrency trading during my senior year of high school, and during classes, we would talk about it. He got me interested in investing. I didn’t want to go crazy with it, because it was so volatile at the time, but that helped me explore my own interests. When I came to Tech, I joined our blockchain organization. We have a crypto 101 course that students can take. Through that, I learned about concepts like how blockchain technology works as a whole. Later, my friend introduced me to NFTs. It really piqued my interest when he told me how much they were selling for. I thought it was crazy, but I wanted to explore it more.

Will: Do you have any internship or job experience in web3, or do you hope to enter the industry after graduation?

Ansh: I’m looking to get a freshman internship, and I’m in the process of job searching right now. So I’m sending out applications. However, I’m definitely interested in learning more, and getting experience in the field is one of my primary goals.

Will: How did you get involved with BlockBeam? What made you say, this is something I really want to get involved with?

Ansh: First, I saw an announcement in discord and thought it sounded interesting. I read through the description and it looked pretty new too. I was really impressed. The blockchain program at Tech was super helpful, but I wanted a more focused program that fit my schedule. With BlockBeam, I could join calls after I finished my other work. It ended up being a perfect blend for what I was looking for. I could explore my interest in DeFi, and use it as a launchpad to keep learning.

Will: Could you tell me about your experience with Gateway to DeFi? What was the program like for you?

Ansh: It was a really great experience. Things are changing, so helping people understand DeFi is really useful. The program leaders did a great job keeping the discord updated and making sure it was active. It was also very inclusive. Fostering that discussion in itself, and very publicly, really helped me learn. Coincidentally, the mentor in my team was from Georgia Tech. I was studying in the library one day, and I saw the mentor. They sparked up a conversation, and we just kept talking. It was also useful to see people of varying backgrounds coming together to learn about this new concept. Specifically, one of my team members has a full time position at Blackrock, but he was making time to learn more about DeFi.

Will: Do you have a favorite speaker that came to the program or a favorite memory from the program?

Ansh: It would have to be Jackie from Dune Analytics. She had a really great presentation, and it was one of the programs that our team used to inform our presentation. Using what we learned, we wrote SQL queries to generate graphics in our presentation. So hearing from the company itself was really cool. I hadn’t considered that there were these companies that were launching dashboards to analyze different projects. It was really impressive what we were able to accomplish with that knowledge.

Will: What did you learn while completing the final project?

Ansh: Well, I’ve always worked on group projects, but I never had a team project where members were so spread out geographically. Finding a way to come together and collaborate was a new skill for me. I also learned by presenting in a zoom environment on an entirely new topic. We studied the Clever protocol, and a lot of us hadn’t even heard of it before the program, so we learned a ton.

Another great thing with BlockBeam is having the central discord, because you can always type in the chat. I remember I needed help with one of my slides while preparing and being able to shoot that quick text was really helpful.

Will: Going off that last question, what do you think about this program was most beneficial from a career standpoint?

Ansh: It’s an awesome program to understand more about DeFi. A great aspect that was brought into the program was having speakers who are in the industry itself. It’s one thing to speak on a topic, learn about it in a group, and present on it. However, having a speaker who’s in the industry present software that they’re currently using is an exponentially larger value-add. That really helped me learn.

Will: What advice would you give to someone just starting out their crypto or web3 journey?

Ansh: I had this exact same question for one of my team members and the first thing they told me is just get online and read as much as you can. Research any words or phrases you don’t know, and ask a lot of questions. There’s also great speakers who talk on Twitter, and twitter is very active within the crypto space. Other than that, I definitely believe that finding intro articles, courses, and asking questions is the best way to get into the space.

Will: What advice would you give to someone considering taking a BlockBeam bootcamp?

Ansh: I would definitely take it. I don’t think you have anything to lose, especially because of the education focus. You’re with groups of people who are all learning. So don’t think you’re not qualified, because it’s a great way to start or further your learning, no matter what your experience level.

Will: I love that perspective. Ansh, it’s been a pleasure meeting with you. Thanks so much.

Ansh: Thank you!

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.

Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on why exactly BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to DeFi graduate, Zach Walker. Here is his story:

Will: Could you tell me a little bit about yourself and what you’re doing in school?

Zach: I’m a sophomore at Babson College, which is the number one school for entrepreneurship in the country. Right now, I’m studying finance, and I’m looking to also study entrepreneurship here. I have a background in software development as a full stack developer. I’ve also been in the crypto space since 2018, trying to learn everything I can, both from a developer aspect and from an investor aspect as well.

Will: That’s a really cool background. I feel like one interesting thing about Babson is that everyone’s interested in entrepreneurship, but you get people from so many different disciplines who study it for different reasons. So what drives your interest in crypto and web3?

Zach: My interest is primarily driven by my own philosophy. I grew up seeing the distrust between big institutions and retail investors. Overall, it’s driven me to question what’s really going on. Can we trust these institutions to hold our money? Furthermore, can we trust them with our information? Over time, I’ve come to my own conclusions that have driven me to want to be a part of the change that we see with blockchain and web3.

Will: So would you say it’s primarily about holding your own information and having a trustless system with which to interact? What led to the distrust of institutions for you?

Zach: Well, right now, we have the big FTX catastrophe. That’s just one of the problems. But I always grew up being an outsider and looking at things from an open perspective. I like seeing how stakeholders can benefit from organizations and assessing if they’re actually benefiting or getting screwed over. Right now, most stakeholders are getting taken advantage of, for example, data usage and ownership in web2. You have Facebook who can sell user data because the user doesn’t actually own it. That’s just one problem, but there are so many others.

Will: Do you have any internship or job experience in web3, and is it something you want to pursue after graduation?

Zach: Actually, after BlockBeam, I landed an internship at a crypto insurance company called Breach Insured. Basically, they insure retail investors who put their money in custodial exchanges like Coinbase or Binance. They operate with exchanges that are registered and regulated in the US. That’s where I’m starting out, which I’m really excited about.

Will: Awesome. That sounds like a great opportunity and a much needed service right now. How did you get involved with BlockBeam?

Zach: I initially joined the Northeastern Blockchain Club discord, because I heard it was a big club in the Boston area, and I wanted to meet people. I heard about BlockBeam through that channel. I joined it, because I knew Marissa, who’s involved with BlockBeam. We actually meet every Sunday to talk about crypto, and we call it crypto Sunday. Later, I decided to join the Gateway to DeFi cohort when it became available, so I could further my analytical skills.

Will: That’s awesome! It really speaks to the power of the community that BlockBeam is building. Can you tell me more about your experience with Gateway to DeFi?

Zach: Gateway to DeFi introduces you to looking at tokens from an investor’s view. It was definitely impactful to hear from industry professionals that are serving various market segments. We heard from Near Protocol, and we also heard from people at venture capital firms. I would say that was the biggest takeaway — hearing their input on the industry and current trends, but also their advice. Then, the second thing was meeting people and really connecting with them. I met people from all over the country, and a lot of people in Boston that I’ve been connecting with. That’s really what I took away from it, and I’m so grateful for that experience.

Will: Did you have a favorite speaker that came? Or, do you have a favorite memory from the program?

Zach: I would say my favorite session was with Theo Fields from Bloccelerate. He spoke about tokenomics, how to value a token, and really looking at the token utility to determine its legitimacy. That was the most important session for me, because it hit all my interests with finance, economics, and development.

Will: That sounds incredibly valuable. What did you learn while completing the final project?

Zach: One of the biggest growth opportunities came from working as a virtual team. Most of our teammates were in different time zones, so we had to learn new strategies to overcome that hurdle. From a technical standpoint, I learned the most from going in depth and engaging with the protocols that we were evaluating. In the end, we conducted an analysis on AlgoFi, which is a decentralized exchange on the Algorand blockchain. We had to dig pretty deep into the documents as well as look around to see what the community was doing. It was my first time going into that level of detail, and it was helpful to do it with people in the same boat as me.

Will: Is there anything from the program that you feel was particularly beneficial from a career standpoint?

Zach: Well, first, BlockBeam has opportunities to connect participants with people who are offering internships and jobs. So, that’s a major benefit to joining BlockBeam. But also the connections and reaching out to the speakers was a great opportunity as well.

Will: What advice would you give to someone who’s just starting out their journey in crypto and web3?

Zach: I would tell them that crypto and web3 is not just one area. It’s actually a whole lot of areas, including legal, development, finance, etc. There’s really a lot to learn, so I would start with understanding what blockchain is if you’re new to the industry. Then going from there, you can pick an area to focus on. For me, I focus on the financial side, which has been helpful because although I have a deep understanding of how it works, focusing on one area allows me to add more value to the community.

Will: What advice would you give to someone who’s considering taking a BlockBeam bootcamp?

Zach: I would say if you’re unsure, then you should definitely do it. Because if you’re debating it, you’re definitely interested, and it doesn’t take that much time out of your week. We had probably two hours out of a seven day period, dedicated to BlockBeam, and people were very flexible in willing to meet. So if you’re debating it, just do it. You’ll figure everything out as you progress. That’s how I go about life.

Will: Awesome. Thanks so much for meeting, Zach. It was an absolute pleasure.

Zach: Thank you as well. I’m excited to be a part of this. Feel free to connect with me at https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-wa1ker/

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.

Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on why exactly BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to Algorand graduate, Christopher Pellegrini. Here is his story:

Will: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and what you’re doing in school?

Christopher: I’m a Junior studying computer science at Tufts University. A lot of my side projects have been focused on crypto. All summer and continuing to now I’ve been working on NFT projects with a couple friends. That’s actually how I found out about BlockBeam.

Will: What would you say drives your interest in crypto and web3?

Christopher: I feel like this phrase is used over and over, but “immutable ledger.” There are so many powerful things that you could do with that. The fact that data is immutable, that it can’t be changed, and it’s there for everyone to see. We haven’t really perfected the use cases yet. Everyone’s trying stuff out, seeing where it sticks on the wall. So, what I’m most excited about crypto is just throwing stuff at the wall and seeing what sticks. Finding those things is going to be really neat.

Will: So you said, you’ve done some work with NFT projects. Do you have any internship or job experience in web3? Or do you plan to enter web3 after graduation?

Christopher: Yeah, I was a community manager and a core team member of a leading NFT analytics tool. Essentially, what I did was business development, running influencer marketing campaigns, and was responsible for engagement on Twitter. I also talked to other communities, allocated whitelists, and all that ‘NFT stuff’. That was the first real web3 work experience that I ever had. And actually, a project just minted last week and completely sold out, which is super cool. So in the future, yes, I’m definitely looking to get into crypto and make it my full time career.

Will: That’s fantastic. How did you get involved with BlockBeam?

Christopher: I got involved with BlockBeam in two ways. First, I texted Doro Unger-Lee from Algorand Foundation, because she made posts on Tufts Blockchain Club telegram. I reached out to her asking, “Is there any way for people to learn about Algorand?” She recommended BlockBeam. Then also, I met Bennett through the NFT projects I was working on. I realized BlockBeam seemed like an awesome place, and I wanted to get involved.

Will: It’s great to see how people’s passion for BlockBeam leads to these interesting connections. What bootcamp did you take and what was your experience?

Christopher: I participated in the Gateway to Algorand program. I was interested in doing something a bit less technical, because my coursework is very technical. I wanted to learn more about the business side of crypto and its real life use cases. I like to hear what people are doing apart from NFT’s, because everything I was doing was in NFTs. Gateway to Algorand was absolutely perfect for that. I got to hear from so many cool people, and went to so many cool events because of it too. One of the people was Nick Stanford from Reach. He made a presentation, and I ended up meeting him in person at a hackathon the next weekend!

Will: Many people don’t have exposure to Algorand before entering the bootcamp. One of the benefits of the program is that participants range from complete beginners to Algorand veterans.

Christopher: Yeah, I remember using Yieldly when I first started to play around with DeFi and Algorand. But after that, I kind of left my wallet, and didn’t touch it until we came back to this. It’s definitely super valuable being with a cohort of people that aren’t all coders. There’s technical and non-technical people in the cohort, because of that, I heard answers to questions that I would have never thought to ask.

Will: Did you have a favorite speaker from Gateway to Algorand, or do you have a favorite memory from the program?

Christopher: My favorite memory for the program was definitely pitch day. I loved seeing everyone’s projects come together like that. It was the same week as my first round of midterms, so I was scrambling to get my presentation together, which was challenging. I was super nervous sitting in my room, but the coordinators helped out so much. In the end, I went through it all and it ended up being fine. I honestly didn’t think I was going to get anywhere with it too because all the other projects were so impressive as well.

Will: What did you learn while completing the final project? What was that process like for you and what did you get out of it?

Christopher: Well, I had never pitched to VCs before this program. So learning the process of creating a pitch as well as understanding what they’re asking for was eye-opening. Normally, I’d throw together my presentation, but I talked to the coordinators first who made so many useful suggestions. Now, I feel comfortable knowing what investors look for in a project–what to include and what not to include. Initially, I wanted to start off with all this jargon because I tend to rant on topics that I’m passionate about. But [VC’s] aren’t trying to hear that most of the time. Instead, I learned how to build and refine a successful pitch from the ground up. That was the biggest takeaway.

Will: Now that you’ve been through the program, what would you say is the most impactful or useful from a career standpoint?

Christopher: Definitely networking. I met so many great people that I continue to stay in contact with, even now. I’m still talking to Dylan about HashChain, and I think we’re going to keep working on it. Networking can be hard. However, because I was with a cohort, I got to interact with all these incredible people, and we stayed in touch. It’s a really great community. I really did this program to meet more people outside my school’s crypto club. From it, I met so many people in the ecosystem that we’re in.

Will: What advice would you give to people just starting out their crypto or web3 journey?

Christopher: Number one, get on Twitter and read. If you’re going to get into crypto, there’s going to be information thrown at your face, constantly, so much you can’t get through it all. So take a step back and learn the basics. Learn how blockchain works, know the different products that are offered under blockchain. And from there, you can discover what interests you and dive deeper. It’s also important to stay up to date with the news. Twitter’s pretty much where everything is. Find students, or people that are into it too. And don’t get discouraged by the amount of information out there, because it takes a while. I’ve been reading about this for years now. It can be super intimidating, but everything builds on one another. So start small and build up knowledge on Twitter.

Will: Do you have any advice for people considering taking a BlockBeam bootcamp?

Christopher: Sign up and apply for it 100%. If you do end up participating, talk to other people in the cohort. That’s where the value is. You’re going to go through the modules, build a really cool pitch, learn from a bunch of cool speakers. But meeting people and remaining in contact is paramount. The most important part is the people you know, because people in crypto are often stuck behind their computer, so take advantage of the opportunity.

Will: That’s awesome advice. Thanks so much for taking the time to speak with me. I’m really glad you had the experience you did in this program.

Christopher: Thank you, Will. I’m happy to be a part of this.

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.

Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on why exactly BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to DeFi and Gateway to Algorand graduate, ThankGod Audu Aboh. Here is his story:

Will: Can you tell me a little bit about yourself and what you’re doing in school or for work?

ThankGod: I studied human physiology and graduated last November. Currently, I work in the web3 space as a community manager for one project and a moderator for another project that both deal with NFTs. One is Viridian Exchange, which allows users to trade physical collectibles through the blockchain via NFTs. For example, Pokemon cards, baseball cards, basketball cards, etc. I have no tech background, since I majored in physiology, so I’m also currently learning how to be a full stack developer with a computer science degree from ALX Africa. In my free time, I do Java, and I want to take BlockBeam’s PyTeal cohort at some point in the future.

Will: What drives your interest in crypto and web3?

ThankGod: In a word, innovation. Last year was a bull run, so I really wasn’t interested in the knowledge. Instead, it was just a way to flip money, flip NFTs for cash, and buy and sell coins on a DEX. When the hype died down, I really wanted to get to know what this was, so I read the Bitcoin white paper, and it blew my mind. Because I’m from a country where corruption is ingrained in the political culture, this is a way for you to own your wealth, own your resources, and actually do good.

Will: Do you have any long-term goals that inspire you to continue learning about these new technologies?

ThankGod: Absolutely. Long term, what drives me is to build blockchain solutions in the healthcare sector. I want to combine what I studied in school with blockchain. The healthcare system in this country is actually horrible in terms of data. People die from diseases and things that could be prevented if there was accurate record keeping of family histories. Blockchain, being a digital ledger, could allow you to have all this info and store it in a secure way.

Will: How did you learn about and get involved with BlockBeam?

ThankGod: I got involved in Blockbeam by luck. I stumbled on the Discord server invite from a server I was in, called NextWaveDAO. I got in, fell in love with the programs and how very helpful everyone was, and I’ve been involved ever since.

Will: What bootcamp did you take and what was your experience?

ThankGod: I just finished the Gateway to Algorand bootcamp as part of the cohort. It was an amazing experience learning about the Algorand ecosystem and all the beautiful projects that are being built on Algorand.

Will: Who was your favorite speaker and why?

ThankGod: I enjoyed the AgroToken speaker. I grew up in a farming community and I liked how they are helping farmers obtain value for their produce as soon as possible.

Will: What did you learn while completing the final project?

ThankGod: I learned how important the business model of an idea is, no matter how revolutionary the idea may be. Ideas are not just enough, and they should be sustainable and scalable in order to succeed. The program allowed me to test several working models and implement the best business model for my particular use case.

Will: What about the program do you think is most beneficial from a career standpoint? Any success stories?

ThankGod: The program structure is unbeatable. Plus the final pitch enabled me to network with various experts in the web3 space. I learned a lot throughout the duration of the cohort. In particular, I learned how to identify a problem, create a blockchain solution for it, and pitch the idea to VCs. I typically shy away from public speaking, and BlockBeam’s programs helped me to overcome that fear.

Will: What advice would you give to people just starting out on their crypto or web3 journey?

ThankGod: For anyone starting their web3 journey, I would advise them to sit tight and enjoy the journey. I would also advise them to join BlockBeam and be grounded in complex concepts. Being part of a community gives you an edge, as it enables you to learn faster.

Will: Do you have any advice to those considering applying to BlockBeam bootcamps?

ThankGod: For those considering applying for a BlockBeam bootcamp, I advise they jump right in. It’s a whole new learning curve, and you pick up a lot of skills and hone the ones you have already to be a better person, and build your web3 career.

Will: That’s awesome advice, and I couldn’t agree more. Thank you.

ThankGod: Thank you.

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.

Hi! I’m Will Coughlan, the Content Lead at BlockBeam. As our ecosystem grows, I have been having conversations with our program graduates to get their take on why exactly BlockBeam programs are so impactful. I recently spoke with Gateway to Algorand graduate, Eagan Notokusumo. Here is his story:

Will: Could you tell me about yourself and what you’re doing in school or for work?

Eagan: I’m a sophomore doing a Bachelor’s of Science in industrial engineering and a concurrent Master’s in computer science at Northwestern. Over the past year and a half, I’ve been diving into web3, because I think it has so much potential. Especially because it’s such a new and niche field, there isn’t really any right or wrong direction to go with it. I think just immersing myself in it is good, because there’s a lot of demand but there’s not a lot of supply for people who are technically capable in web3. I’ve also been in the entrepreneurial scene for a while now and recently, through BlockBeam, I’ve gained a more concrete idea of what the startup would be and what technologies it would use. And with BlockBeam, seeing all the pitches from the other founders, I gained a more concrete idea of how to implement Algorand’s technology.

Will: Awesome. You talked about this a little bit, but what drives your interest in web3? What gets you most excited about it?

Eagan: I actually got into crypto when my friend asked me to invest in DogeCoin. So, I started by trading and investing. But I understood that to be a good investor, I had to understand the technology behind it. That drove me to learn more. Every protocol has a value add that is unique to the chain, so there are a lot of different things that can be done with different protocols. My main drive is that it allows me to do things that couldn’t be done before. For example, the immutability part–the sense of a stronger community not managed by a single central figure. But also it’s the fact that crypto is kind of its own specialization at this point. So being specialized in crypto and blockchain is beneficial because not many people are crypto native. If I can be a resource for them, if I can lead them into understanding the value of crypto and blockchain, that would be amazing.

Will: That’s an interesting point. There’s definitely a lot of misconceptions out there. How did you learn about and get involved with BlockBeam?

Eagan: A while back, someone posted about BlockBeam on the Northwestern Blockchain group discord. And I, being on the executive board, look through the messages a lot. So I clicked on the link, and then I read more about it. I was like, ‘Hey, this is interesting.’ It seems like something I could do while doing my internship as well. So I decided to apply for BlockBeam because I could pitch to VCs, get feedback, work with a team, and find co-founders. That just so happened to be what I was looking for in general: pitching, getting a better sense of how to build a company from the ground up, and finding co-founders. I really enjoyed what BlockBeam had to offer from the weekly meetings to all the resources and even the final pitch.

Will: What bootcamp did you take and what was your overall experience in it? What did you get from it?

Eagan: I took the Gateway to Algorand program. My key takeaways are that it’s a very well-made program with a semi-autonomous structure where no one’s forcing you to pursue an idea that you don’t believe in. It’s fully organic. You’re going to hear from people who have made successful businesses based on Algorand, which puts things into context. There are a lot of different ways to tackle sustainability, and many business models that align with ESG. You can even generate revenue from something that would have traditionally been seen as nonprofit. Those are my key takeaways in addition to all the connections that came with it.

Will: Awesome. Do you have a favorite memory from the program?

Eagan: My favorite memory would have to be when me and my team would meet up. In the first few meetings, we were just getting to know each other, and it was the fact that I spoke with Joshua. I was in Indonesia at the time, and he was in North Carolina. So we were quite literally on opposite sides of the world. And then we had Dominic as well who is from Nigeria. The fact that on our first call we could arrange a time where all of us were available goes to show how globalized blockchain is. We are also continuing to work on our project, even after the program has finished. That’s the best memory from there, being able to connect with people from all around the world.

Will: We know the program is filled with founders and guest speakers. Did you have a favorite speaker from the program?

Eagan: My favorite speaker would have to be when AgroToken did their pitch. I think having the context of international businesses is more relevant to me on how they operate and work with the government. That was essentially what inspired me to pursue the kind of business model that my startup would work on. And I do talk to the founder sometimes just to ask for more advice, to see what works for him and what doesn’t. I think that’s my biggest memory from the Gateway to Algorand program specifically.

Will: What about this program do you think is the most beneficial from a career standpoint?

Eagan: It would have to be having access to the BlockBeam community as a whole. There’s a lot of very intelligent people in the discord that are building and having access to that is amazing. You have a lot of different perspectives from people that will be more than willing to talk and hear about your idea. If they have any resources, let’s say you’re looking for an internship, they’re more than willing to refer you along. So you get more visibility and traction. A lot of us are new graduates or even undergrad and we’re looking for job opportunities. So having BlockBeam increase our visibility definitely helps. Especially for Joshua, Dominic, and I who are continuing to build our idea, having that visibility is amazing.

Will: Agreed. It’s amazing to watch this ecosystem grow and become more influential, as more people get involved. The value proposition just keeps increasing. Do you have any advice for anyone considering a BlockBeam bootcamp?

Eagan: My one piece of advice would be to dive straight in. Don’t hesitate to ask people anything, even if you’re new to blockchain. In this program, you get however much you put into it. So, there are the weekly founder pitches, but if you’re not going the extra mile and asking them about their journeys or communicating in the discord, you’ll be missing out on a lot of amazing information. So don’t hesitate to jump in, even if you’re new to it. A lot of people are new to it as well. It’s a shared experience, and you get to learn more if you are more involved.

Will: I completely agree, and I really appreciate you taking the time to tell us what BlockBeam has helped you accomplish.

Eagan: Thank you.

About BlockBeam

BlockBeam is a Web3 Upskilling & Talent Network. Our community’s shared mission is to accelerate the adoption of high-impact technologies and launch standout talent into Web3.

BlockBeam’s platform, Launch, provides employers an efficient solution for sourcing talent from leading Web3 bootcamps. Launch is only accessible to BlockBeam partner bootcamp graduates and effectively visualizes talent’s completed Web3 work product. The platform is now live!

Join our community: https://discord.gg/4AvP4QRDSd

Social Media: https://linktr.ee/blockbeam

Discover Programs: https://www.blockbeam.io/#programs

Join BlockBeam Launch As An Employer

Are you interested in tapping into a Web3 technical and non-technical talent pool? Email support@blockbeam.io to set up a time to chat.