How to Become a Python Developer Without a Degree in 2024

You might want to become a Python Developer but have not attended a college or university. You might also have a degree in an unrelated field. That doesn't mean you can't still find a great job in Python development.

Some development pros freelance, some start through internships, and others get entry-level work after attending a Python bootcamp or certificate program. Read on to learn more.

What is a Python Developer?

Python Developers are tech professionals who can work on websites, software, games, or digital applications. Unlike some career tracks, those who fit the requirements of Python Developer often hold alternate titles; these can include Web Developer, Back End Developer, and Database Engineer, to name a few. Therefore, while most of these tech pros know tools like Django, SQL, and Git, not all Python development positions require the same skill set.

Responsibilities for Python Developers vary by industry as well as position. Some have to implement and maintain cybersecurity or integrate data storage solutions, while others mainly design and integrate front end elements with back end applications. Additional responsibilities can include web scraping, automation testing, and data visualization. Check online job postings for detailed lists of industry-specific Python development skills and responsibilities.

Read more about what a Python Developer does.

Can You Really Become a Python Developer Without a Degree?

The short answer is: yes.

While jobs for beginner development pros with no college may not be abundant, they do exist. You might get hired on the strength of a professional-level project portfolio and a certificate of completion from a course provider like Noble Desktop.

On the other hand, you might instead hold a college degree in a different field. That can still work in your favor, especially if it's related to your industry or sector. Math, finance, or marketing degrees are a few programs that might help considerably.

Many employers consider a bootcamp or certificate program as valuable as a degree for entry-level Python positions. Read on to learn more.

Steps to Become a Python Developer

Determine Your Path

Determining your Python Developer path means you will target a specific role before you seek formal training. Because so many Python development pros hold different titles like Software Engineer or Game Developer, you should research the job you desire within your current field.

Your path may also depend on personal considerations like availability, budget, and whether you are willing to relocate for the perfect position. Research Python-related job listings to get started.

Learn Python Development Skills

Python development skills also vary by industry, company, and the particular role you seek. Once you have done enough research to plan your path, you should know which skills you will need to learn or expand.

Most Python novices start by reviewing some free online webinars or tutorials, like the free Intro to Python Fundamentals seminar from Noble Desktop. This one-hour video is the perfect introduction to Python, and includes information about Python development and data science.

One essential skill for Developers and Data Scientists is Structured Query Language (SQL). Most Python roles require it. If your path includes SQL, check out the free Intro to SQL seminar from Noble Desktop next.

Additional Python development skills can include:

• HTML/CSS
• Django/Django REST
• Git/GitHub

While many development positions require additional skills like the JavaScript language, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or data visualization, these are among the most common.

Complete Projects

If you train to become a Python Developer, an essential aspect of your education will be hands-on experience. Reading articles or watching webinars can help orient you, but nothing can substitute for the experience of completing your first portfolio project.

How you create and run your first Python project will depend on your experience level. If you know how to code in another programming language, you might already know what you want to do. If not, search online for "Python projects for beginners" or "first Python project" to get a better idea. Beginner projects can include anything from password generators to simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe or hangman.

One of the best ways to get comprehensive Python training is through a bootcamp or certificate. These in-depth programs typically include Python as part of a broader development or data science program.

To learn more about the benefits of live online or in-person Python learning, check out Python classes in your area with the Classes Near Me search tool from Noble Desktop. Here you'll find Python-centered bootcamps and certificate programs, some all-inclusive and others focusing on specific areas like FinTech, machine learning (ML), or automation.

Build A Professional Portfolio

Completing portfolio projects is one of the essential steps you need to take on your Python development path. A professional-level portfolio can help you land an entry-level position.

Portfolio-building is a primary component of certificate programs like the Python Developer Certificate from Noble Desktop. You may already have built a project or two on your own, but portfolio-building under the guidance of an expert instructor is much more valuable. 

In certificate programs like this, you will build multiple professional-level projects and have access to 1-on-1 mentoring sessions outside of class. Your instructor can provide a portfolio review, keep you on track with your goals, and offer priceless career advice.

If you aren't yet ready to commit to a full-length certificate program, you can still build portfolio projects under guidance through a course like Noble's Python Programming Bootcamp. However, students can save by taking the Python Programming Bootcamp as part of the more comprehensive Python Developer Certificate, which pairs the Programming Bootcamp with a Python Web Development with Django course.

Whatever your path, your portfolio will travel with you from company to company or job to job if you continue to work for the same organization. An impressive portfolio of projects can open doors throughout your Python development career.

Make Industry Connections

Making industry connections might not seem like a step you can take before you start a job search, but it can be much easier than you think.

Python's massive international support community assures novices and experienced development pros that help is never more than a mouse click away. You can make connections in your industry of choice by participating in online chats, joining Python's open Slack team (PySlackers), and attending conferences.

Your Python training program can provide another source of connections, depending on your fellow bootcamp or certificate participants. Many bootcamp instructors offer 1-on-1 mentoring to their students, including direction on the best resources for making industry connections. 

Consider broader sources, too. Networking groups like Business Network International (BNI), the Business Referral Exchange (BRE), or your local Chamber of Commerce may be ideal for connections in your industry. You may also find other resources through LinkedIn, MeetUp, or Eventbrite.

If you already work in your desired industry, your company may connect with other professionals who can help you meet your goals. If not, the abovementioned resources should give you avenues to reach a diverse group of industry connections who can offer help on your Python development journey.

Begin Your Job Search

You chose a path and learned fundamental Python development skills. Once you completed your first beginner-level Python projects, you began building a professional portfolio through comprehensive training in a Python certificate program. Thanks to your growing network, you've created a solid network of industry professionals from various sources.

Now you have another challenging task: finding the best position to meet your interests and skill set.

Your certificate program instructor may have guided your job search, and your industry connections also may have led to applications at appropriate companies. If not, it's time to go back to the job boards.

In your initial research to determine a path, you most likely searched Python-related job listings. With your new knowledge and experience, you can find many more relevant listings than before. Consider looking for titles other than Python Developer, Web Developer, or Game Developer, like:

• Back End Developer
• Full Stack Developer
• Database Engineer
• Software Engineer
• Quality Assurance Engineer
• Software Designer & Developer
• Systems Developer

Not every position will be a match. But if you have done your homework, mastered Python skills, and built a strong portfolio, you can find excellent opportunities within your industry.

Learn the Skills to Become a Python Developer at Noble Desktop

To become a Python Developer, everyone needs a range of skills and knowledge. Most people start with basics, like functions, variables, and the principles of object-oriented programming (OOP). Progressing to a development role also can include additional server-side languages like React (JSX), machine learning algorithms, and object-relational mapping (ORM).

Noble Desktop offers a range of online and in-person Python classes and bootcamps for development, data science and analytics, FinTech, and cybersecurity. Instructors with practical expertise teach these programs, which feature small class sizes to ensure individual attention. Each graduate receives a certificate of completion and can even retake the course for up to one year at no additional charge.

Many Python novices review some free online resources to prepare for one of these courses. Noble Desktop’s Learn Hub includes a comprehensive guide to learning Python for development or data-centered roles. Here you can check out free on-demand courses and tutorials on topics like exchanging Excel for Python and making a Twitter bot with Python. 

If you’re new to Python training, you might want to start with an immersive course like Noble’s Python Programming Bootcamp. However, you can also save by taking this bootcamp as part of their immersive Python Developer Certificate. This program provides Python fundamentals before taking participants through in-demand tools like Django REST, Git, and SQL. Check course listings for more details, including prerequisite information.