Rishikesh Kale: The Web3 Native Who Never Looked Back
While his college friends were chasing traditional job placements with attractive packages, Rishikesh Kale made a decision that would define his entire career. He chose to stay in Web3, even when the path seemed uncertain and the resources were scarce. Today, as a Developer Advocate at FIL-B, his story proves that sometimes not going all in on a technology you believe in is the bigger risk, a risk that could mean missing out on the opportunity to shape an emerging field.
Unlike many who transitioned into Web3 from other careers, Rishikesh Kale took a different path. He started with blockchain right after college, making Web3 not just a career choice but his only industry focus. From winning coding competitions with creative dApps to learning at a time when resources were scarce, his journey reflects what it truly means to grow alongside an emerging technology.
Based in Nagpur, India, Rishikesh has seen Web3 change from a space where people had to learn coding through games like CryptoZombies to today’s world full of tools and chances. His experience gives a special view of building a career in blockchain from scratch, especially for those who choose to go deep instead of just trying it out.
This talk with Rishikesh shows the mindset needed to do well in Web3’s early days, why patience matters in a space often linked with quick wins, and real advice for newcomers finding their way through today’s opportunities. His story proves the power of not giving up and the rewards that come to those who truly believe in the future of decentralized technology.
The Interview: Rishikesh Kale on His Web3 Journey
1. Tell us a bit about yourself.
Rishikesh Kale: I’m Rishikesh Kale, and I’m based in Nagpur, India. Currently, I’m working as a Developer Advocate at FIL-B.
2. What were you doing before Web3?
Rishikesh Kale: My journey into Web3 began right out of college; it was my first love and has remained so ever since. I didn’t have a prior career outside of this space.
3. How did you first hear about Web3?
Rishikesh Kale: I first heard about Blockchain through my brother. After his introduction, I delved deeper by reading various articles and documentation online.
4. What was your first step into the space?
Rishikesh Kale: My real entry point was a hackathon during my college days. My friends and I developed a dApp called Vidhira, a social media platform designed for creators and artists. We ended up winning the hackathon and taking first place!
5. What was one big challenge you faced early on?
Rishikesh Kale: One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was the limited availability of educational resources. This was back when Ganache and Remix IDE were still relatively new, and there weren’t many videos or beginner-friendly materials. I largely learned Solidity by playing the CryptoZombies game and then continued my learning from there.
6. What helped you push through?
Rishikesh Kale: What kept me going was the desire to implement what I was learning and find opportunities. While waiting for internship opportunities, which felt like a long tunnel, I kept building and participating in more hackathons, knowing that the efforts would pay off eventually.
7. What are you most proud of so far in your journey?
Rishikesh Kale: I’m most proud of showing up and not turning back. It was tempting to choose a traditional job when my friends were getting attractive campus placements. However, I chose to stick with blockchain and remained patient, and I’m proud of that decision.
8. Any major failure or learning moment?
Rishikesh Kale: Every hackathon has been a significant learning moment for me. Instead of just “bounty hunting,” I always tried to build on new protocols. This approach, while challenging in terms of ideation and execution, taught me a tremendous amount and was a great learning process.
9. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in Web3?
Rishikesh Kale: If you’re just starting in Web3, patience is key. It’s rare to hit a jackpot early on. There’s a misconception that Web3 is a space where you can earn a lot of money quickly. While it will definitely pay off one day, it’s not necessarily from day one. Focus on having a solid learning and building journey, and opportunities will follow.
10. Where can people find or follow your work?
Rishikesh Kale: You can find or follow my work on Twitter/telegram/linkedIn: @callMeRishhh
Rishikesh Kale’s story reminds us that Web3 isn’t just about quick financial gains or following the latest trends. It’s about building something meaningful, staying patient during uncertain times, and believing in the long-term vision of decentralized technology. His journey from a college student learning Solidity through games to a Developer Advocate at FIL-B shows that consistent effort and genuine curiosity can lead to remarkable opportunities.
For those considering a similar path, Rishikesh’s experience offers a valuable lesson: the space rewards those who show up consistently, keep building, and resist the temptation to chase shortcuts. In a world where everyone is looking for the next big opportunity, sometimes the biggest opportunity is the one you’re already working on.
Ready to start your own Web3 journey? Follow Rishikesh’s approach: start building, participate in hackathons, and focus on learning rather than immediate returns. Connect with him on Twitter @callMeRishhh to learn more about his work and get insights into the developer advocate role in Web3.
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