Layer 1 refers to the underlying blockchain networks, the foundational structure of every other web3 application. The growth of these blockchains comes from having more applications built on top of them. That's where everything in web3 starts. Polkadot, a new L1 based in Berlin, Germany, is developing an interoperability platform between different blockchains to work together in one ecosystem.

Layer 2 refers to the protocols operating on top of layer 1s. Their primary purpose is often to solve the scalability challenges with Layer 1 networks. Offchain Labs, for instance, builds a suite of scaling solutions for Ethereum, such as Arbitrum and Nitro. You could join the core team as a Community Manager to engage with the non-technical community on Discord and lead content creation.

Decentralized apps are the like the giant playing field of blockchain technology. They are built on top of Layer 1s and Layer 2s, and leverage the power of blockchains, such as crypto and NFTs, to cover use cases. For instance, Pianity is a music platform that allows you to discover and invest in your favorite artists and get rewards as an active community member. Mirror is a decentralized blogging platform leveraging Ethereum to let publishers get paid in crypto.

DAOs are a form of dApp but for organizations. They also run on smart contracts and use the token features for a different purpose than dApps. These tokens (the non-fungible ones) can be used as voting systems on the blockchain for governance purposes, fundraising, and wealth allocation. You could work as a contributor to these DAOs, but you can also help build them or even create tools for DAOs to operate smoothly.

Finally, you could join more traditional organizations built on - or evolving towards - the principles of blockchain. They are interesting because they serve as an entry point to web2 users. Reddit is a web2 social network and recently built a dedicated team, the Reddit X team, to explore the possibilities of tokenization.

Block 30 minutes on your calendar, and take the time to craft a list of problems you deeply care about from your past work experiences and personal interests. Here is a example of questions that can help narrow your favorite problems:

• What are the topics you most enjoy learning about?
• What are the most important challenges in your field?
• What aspects of society do you find puzzling?

After narrowing down your favorite problems, it is now time to articulate more precisely how it matches with web3 use cases. Then, it’s time to embed yourself in the problem. Dipping your toe in the water versus diving right in is different, you need to get to know the players, understand the challenges and face the problem directly. Who talks about this topic? Where can I find his/her work? Finally, start identifying existing web3 companies which resonate most with your favorite problems.

You’ve done your research, it’s time to implement it!

• Be a web3 user first. Try your favorite product, understand what works and what doesn’t. Get curious!
• Contribute. Choose your contribution according to your skills and favorite problems. If you’re into music, and mostly in marketing, join the community and offer to contribute on content creation. You can publish content, help people on discord, Reddit and explore bounties on Dework.
• Document it. Write a blog, be active on twitter, in the forums, or even on Reddit. You don’t have to be an expert to write about your observations, findings, and even your struggles. It all helps to build your credibility and thought leadership. Use tools like DegenScore or Mazury which records your contribution on-chain and is a fun way to showcase your involvement in the space!
• Network with people with similar interests. It’s easier than ever with twitter! That’s also how Will Lawrence got his job at Paxos.
• Apply.This should be easy as you made connections, connected the dots and identified key players. Subscribe to Woody and as soon as a job is out, you can apply for it first!