How to become a Python developer in 2024

Not everyone will have the same exact experience on the path to becoming a Python developer. Even the most thorough plans may not pan out perfectly. Be sure to give yourself extra time and patience while doing something as important as switching careers.

Additionally, there are tons of different potential fields for a Python developer, and the one you intend to specialize in will more closely inform your own process. Some of the potential paths of a Python developer are:

• Data scientist: Use programming languages and coding skills to collect, analyze, and visualize large sets of data.
• Machine learning engineer: Design and implement algorithms and artificial intelligence to function as part of a larger data sciences team.
• Software application developer: Design, develop, troubleshoot, and update software applications of all sorts. This is a broad field that encompasses many of the classic computer programmer tasks.
• Web app developer: Design, launch, maintain, and update web pages and web applications designed for mobile and desktop.
• Software automation engineer: Optimize existing software systems by automating data-heavy processes. This is a specific information technology (IT) role.
• Game developer: Although it’s not the most common language for game developers, Python is more than capable of building 2D and 3D video games.

A multitude of other fields rely on Python as well. We won’t dive deep into them here, but if you want to research them yourself a few other popular ones are:

• Finance: The same features and libraries that make Python particularly useful in data science also make it particularly useful for finance. It can be used to assess trends in large data sets, as well as being useful for risk management.
• Task automation: Python can perform many different automations, such as website scraping, report generation, file storage management, and logging.
• Data visualization: We touched briefly on Python’s ability to map data in our definition of data scientists, but it’s one of the main draws to the language in careers that require data manipulation.

Getting an education is the biggest step in the whole process. Depending on the path you end up taking, it will require the most investment of time and money. It’s true that many jobs don’t specifically require a bachelor’s degree in computer science, but most employers prefer it. Regardless, there are plenty of other ways to learn computer science and Python in a way that is meaningful to you and a potential employer. Read more about the differences between a coding bootcamp and a computer science degree in this article.

It’s worth noting that while there are a wide variety of non-degree paths, these will typically prepare you for junior roles following your education.

What areas of Python interest you?#

As mentioned above, there are tons of different applications when it comes to Python. As you get experience with coding and the Python language you’ll likely have a solid idea of what you like and what you don’t, but it’s crucial to consider this beforehand. If you seek out as many different experiences as you can, you’ll be a more well-rounded programmer and also have a solid understanding of where you want your career to go. If you have doubts about a certain field that you’ve chosen to get experience in, don’t worry. Simply allow yourself the time and space to adjust your plan and find something that you enjoy. The sheer variety of Python applications may seem daunting, but it means that there is something out there for everyone. Time estimate: Everyone will take a different amount of time planning their own path, so we can’t give you a concrete estimate here. That said, don’t hold yourself too strictly to your own plan. Even the most meticulous plans may go awry, so be patient with your own path and remember to embrace the plot twists.

• Intern for a company
• Sign up for a hackathon
• Contribute to open-source projects or work on personal projects

If you’re enrolled in a degree program or a coding bootcamp, it’s likely that there are resources for you to uncover opportunities and network. If you’re self-educating, you’ll have to do a little more of the heavy lifting yourself. Regardless of your situation you should look into:

• Creating a portfolio
• Updating your resume
• Building your own coding projects
• Working on open-source projects
• Building your brand

It’s a good idea to keep track of whatever you work on in a portfolio. This will pay dividends when you end up looking for jobs, and the more attention you give to documentation now, the more prepared you’ll be when asked about it during an interview.

Time estimate: Budget at least a few months to get real-world experience. Most internships last at least three months, though it’s perfectly reasonable to get experience concurrent with your education.

There are many different certificates offered by universities or colleges. They are typically structured for those who already work 40 hours a week and can be in-person, online, or completely asynchronous.

Certifications are a great way to stand out to employers, and can even be used as a bargaining chip when it comes time to negotiate or adjust your salary.

Some popular Python-specific certifications include:

• PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
  • The Python Institute has a host of Python certifications, the one above is intended for beginners
• Professional Certificate Program in Data Science
• Certificate in Python programming

Time estimate: Certifications take varying amounts of time. The quickest can be completed in only a few months, but others may take one or two years depending on content and scheduling.

Time estimate: It’s hard to know how long the job search will take, because there are so many factors to consider. Most of the time it will take at least several months even if employers are responding promptly and scheduling interviews. The time between applying and hiring will vary depending on the hiring manager and recruiter.

Don’t be conservative with how many applications you submit, and try not to get discouraged if you find yourself in a streak of rejection. A lot of the time, it comes down to putting yourself out there and being persistent.

It’s an ambiguous answer, but there are so many different Python applications and even more jumping-off points depending on your personal situation. If you already have a bachelor’s in computer science and have used Python before you’re already well on your way.

If the job market is healthy and you are equipped with a workable portfolio, it may take only a few months until you find yourself getting paid to use Python. If you’re starting from scratch and want to get a degree, don’t fret. Just be prepared to spend several years to get where you want to go. Luckily, the tech industry and Python aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Learning Python is essential no matter what Python role you aim to end up in. As mentioned previously, a degree is not required, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s in computer science or a related field. That said, there are other ways to learn Python and prove your knowledge to potential employers, be it a coding bootcamp, certificate program, or dedicated self-study.

You’ll need experience before you can land a Python developer job. Most employers won’t even consider candidates without proven programming experience. The overall requirements for how much experience you need will vary depending on the seniority and the specialization of the role. Your individual stipulations for experience will fluctuate depending on what Python field you intend to pursue. That said, the main ways to get meaningful experience from the jump are:

• Internships: Get real-world work experience in your field and potentially receive an offer directly through the internship program.
• Professional certifications: A great way to prove your competitiveness to a potential employer all while learning technical and relevant skills.

Your education and experience will do wonders for your developing technical skills, but chances are they won’t be comprehensive. It’s likely that you’ll have to do some of your own research to unlock niche technical practices.

There are different technical skill sets for every Python specialization. We’ll do our best to cover the highlights of each here.

In addition to all of your education, experience, and technical skills, you’ll need to embody a certain set of characteristics that help you stand out to employers.

• A stickler about optimization
• Analytical problem-solving skills
• Tenacity
• Communication and teamwork
• Eagerness to learn

These skills should be apparent to potential employers through the interview process. Many hiring managers and recruiters will ask interview questions specifically to give you an opportunity to show off some of these soft skills that aren’t visible in your resume or portfolio.

Remember that these numbers are just averages, so your actual salary might end up being higher or lower than these values.

Regardless of your field of study or your projected career path, the opportunity for growth in tech and programming jobs is remarkable. As your experience and role tenure increase, your salary will too. Starting by learning Python can help you break into some of the highest-paying jobs in tech.

Pro tip: Glassdoor allows current and past employees to submit anonymous reviews regarding their compensation and their company’s culture.