From Web2 to Web3: Rob Schuh's Journey Through Protocol Camp
After 15 years in software development, Rob left the UK for Thailand and began a new chapter — one that would take him through the world of blockchain, AI, and unexpected collaboration.
Come meet Rob Schuh, one of our Protocol Camp participants from the winning team, Tom Yum Coin!
Hi Rob, please introduce yourself to our readers 👋
Hi! I'm Rob, a full-stack developer who's been immersed in the world of software for over 15 years now. Time really flies when you're having fun coding! The majority of my career was spent in the United Kingdom, where I had the opportunity to work in both large companies and small- to medium-sized ones. In all of them, I learned valuable and diverse skills and ways of working.
However, I left the UK in search of a better quality of life, and that's why I now live in Thailand. I have no plans to return to the UK. Right now, I'm very excited about the idea of getting my Solidity certification, with a special focus on making smart contracts secure and auditing them well. While I'm studying, I'm also tinkering with some interesting little projects and am always open to new and exciting opportunities.
On top of all that, I'm currently exploring the best ways to integrate AI into my daily work. It's fascinating to see the possibilities! Beyond code, I also firmly believe in sharing what I know through teaching. It's incredibly rewarding to help others on their learning journeys.
Experience & Growth
What motivated you to join Protocol Camp? 🚀
This is an easy question. I’ve been working as a full stack and backend developer for 15 years, but I had never participated in anything like this before. So my first motivation was simply to try something new. I was also in the process of shifting professionally — starting to explore the blockchain space and transitioning from Web2 to Web3. I saw this as a great opportunity to start experimenting with blockchain technology. Those two reasons — gaining a new experience and stepping into Web3 — were my main motivations. I also thought it might lead to future job opportunities in the blockchain field.
How has protocol camp changed the way you think about Web3 or your career in general?
I was already very clear about wanting to move into the blockchain space. But one thing that changed for me was the way of working — it became more collaborative. I usually work alone, so this experience pushed me to meet people from different backgrounds, share ideas, and adapt to different working styles. Of course, working in a company is different because it's a formal job. But this felt like a mix — it was a learning experience, but also felt like real work since we had to deliver a project. Professionally, it hasn’t changed my career path just yet, but through this process, I discovered a protocol that I found genuinely interesting.
What’s one thing you built, learned, or overcame that surprised you?
I was surprised by how much I learned about the blockchain and creating modules on Aptos, our chain sponsor, during Protocol Camp. I didn’t know much at first — I had just started learning about Aptos two months before Protocol Camp. I can definitely say that I learned a lot during the camp, especially thanks to Jun (Dev Mentor) who really helped me improve my skills as a backend and blockchain developer.
What was your favorite part or memorable moment from the Protocol Camp and why?
For me, it was really nice — I can’t pick just one moment. Actually, every moment was special because I got to meet so many good people. Everyone was so kind to me. Whether it was in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, or during the knowledge-sharing sessions, the whole experience meant a lot. It’s hard to choose just one highlight.
Innovation & Collaboration
What was your team/project about? 👀
The project was called TrustTrack. The idea was to create a platform that helps raise funds for charity and social impact projects. Donors could send money through the app using Aptos cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. That was the initial concept — to build something within the Aptos ecosystem that makes it easy for people to support meaningful causes through crypto donations.
How was working with people from other countries and backgrounds?
Tze Wei and I came from different language backgrounds, but we had similar professional experience — we were both full stack developers working on the same project. The experience was good overall, but I think our team could have been more balanced. For example, having one front-end developer, one back-end developer, and a designer would’ve made collaboration easier. Still, it worked out well. Tze Wei is stronger on the front end, I was more interested in the blockchain side and Ming is an amazing designer, so we ended up complementing each other. It was a good experience.
Future Impact & Recommendation
What are you doing now after the camp? 🧑💻
I'm still freelancing like before, but now I’m actively looking for more blockchain-related projects. It’s been a bit of a challenge because my background is stronger in Web2, so jumping into Web3 feels like starting from scratch.Lately, I’ve also been working on projects involving AI. Honestly, I can’t imagine doing my job without it anymore. It really feels like: use AI or get left behind.
For anyone thinking about joining Protocol Camp, I strongly recommend building a solid foundation in AI. If you're not comfortable with it, you're going to fall behind fast. That said, it's not just about prompting tools — you still need to understand what you're doing. You need to be able to code by hand, analyze with your own eyes, and then let AI amplify that. If you can combine both — human skill and AI — you’re basically Superman. That’s the best advice I can give right now.
Do you consider (starting or continuing) working in Web3 after Protocol Camp?
I’m not working in Web3 full-time right now, but I do have my own side projects that help me practice and keep learning. At the moment, tech is evolving in two major directions — AI and blockchain — so for us Web2 developers, it feels like we have to learn both at the same time. It’s a lot to take in, and I’m still in that process of adapting.
That said, I’ve never stopped working. I’m involved in some AI-related projects and also collaborating with a friend’s company. We’re building a lot of things together — just not in a traditional 8-hour-a-day Web3 role yet.
How was your experience working with the mentors during Protocol Camp?
Very good — I don’t even have other words. Jun (Tech Lead & Protocol Camp Mentor) is such a nice person and a great teacher. He explains things really well, and I’m just full of gratitude for him. I hope future Protocol Camp will have mentors like him next time around, too.
We hope this interview with Rob gives you a glimpse into what it’s like to be part of Protocol Camp, our Web3 bootcamp!
If you’re interested in joining our upcoming cohort in August 2025, visit our website and subscribe to the mailing list at the bottom of the page to stay updated.