Python Developer Career Path

If you are interested in starting a career as a Python Developer, you will most likely be curious about what steps you need to take. You may further want to know how and where Python Developers can grow as they advance in their careers. Read on for more about the Python Developer Career Path.

Getting Started

Getting started on a Python Developer career path takes many different forms. Some of the most successful development pros start by learning informally about the field, while others take a formal education approach. Depending on the company or position, some strategies may work better than others.

Consider the following popular strategies for getting started in Python development.

• Exploration - Python development can include roles in web development, software development, or enterprise applications. Many beginners learn about Python first from reading about it in blog posts or informational articles, such as the ones available on Noble Desktop’s Learn Python page. Others watch video tutorials, attend webinars, or enroll in short on-demand video courses.

• Information-Gathering - As you gain a more focused idea of how and where you plan to use your Python development training, you also learn about skills and tools that go with it. These may include version control tools like Git, query languages like SQL, and data visualization techniques like Power BI or Tableau. You can go above and beyond the minimum with further information-gathering, like:
• Conduct informational interviews with Python Developers working in the field.
• Talk to recruiters or staffing agencies about what skills or languages they find companies want their Python Developers to have.
• Compare and contrast online listings from Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and LinkedIn for positions you might want.

• Education - You might not feel ready for your first Python training session to be a full-length intensive program. However, you can find many attractive options to build your Python foundation beyond webinars or online tutorials. Consider attending free classes or informational sessions at libraries or colleges. You may be allowed to audit a course. Or your information-gathering stage may qualify you for an internship, depending on your previous experience and knowledge base.

Do I Need a Degree to Become a Python Developer?

Python Developers enter their careers from varying points: some go through a four-year degree program, others take on entry-level work and level up, and others work remotely as independent contractors. Depending on your current skill set and the role you seek, you may be able to find the Python development job of your dreams without a related degree. Building a career as a Python Developer requires learning this object-oriented language and typically involves tools like SQL, Django, and Github. To get started, consider an in-person or online bootcamp or certificate like Noble Desktop’s Python Developer Certificate, Python Web Development with Django, or Python Programming Bootcamp.

Of course, some companies offer particular positions only to applicants with college or university degrees. Again, this can depend on the industry or organization. Thanks to the urgent demand for tech workers with Python expertise, an employer may pay for part or all of your tuition; the current high demand causes many employers to value practical experience over formal education.

If you decide on a college or university to learn Python fundamentals, you may choose a major tailored to a specific career path. Python Developers come from diverse backgrounds, but popular degrees in the field include computer science, information management systems, and software engineering.

Read more about whether you need a degree to become a Python Developer.

Internships

An internship typically requires you to put new skills to the test with hands-on experience in preparation for the job market. Whether paid or on a volunteer basis, this experience can help future Python Developers compose portfolio projects.

One option for prospective Python Developers may be unpaid internships or other voluntary roles. The online Python community can be an excellent resource, where development pros in the field can offer guidance based on their experiences.

Entry-Level Python Developer Jobs

Entry-level Python Developer paid positions can be much easier to find than internships or voluntary roles. Check out job sites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter for job titles and responsibilities for these skilled professionals.

Current entry-level offerings in Python development vary from city to city and position to position. For example, an Application Developer I role in California might require a year or more of experience with Python, JavaScript, and SQL and pay over $60,000 annually. However, the same search results also yield an Entry-Level Python Developer position in Virginia where the employer prefers candidates with Master's degrees, implying that it requires at least a Bachelor's degree. Other listings do not demand experience but do require a degree.

Mid-Level Python Developer Jobs

A mid-level Python Developer role often requires a degree, but not always. However, in most mid-level development positions, the only acceptable substitute for a degree will be years of experience.

It's not difficult to find examples of job postings for such positions. A current Mid-Level Python Developer listing in Virginia notes B.A. or B.S. under qualifications, with the caveat "can be substituted with solid work experience." The listing includes the required experience level: at least "five years of experience performing development and architecture efforts."

Still, postings like these demonstrate that not every Python Developer role requires the same level of experience or college education. With a bootcamp or certificate program, you might secure an entry-level position that leads to a mid-level development career.

Senior Python Developer Jobs

More than other roles, Senior Python development jobs come in many titles. Besides Senior Python Developer, look for comparable positions with senior in the title like:

• Senior Software Engineer
• Lead Software Engineer
• Senior Application Architect
• Senior Red Hat Engineer
• Senior Database Developer

You will notice that most Senior Python Developer roles don’t even mention Python in the title. Why? Because if the job listing includes Python, it will likely be in parentheses after the title, as in (Python/Django or Python/Django/React). For all its importance, Python is one piece of a senior-level position’s responsibilities.

While a Senior Python Developer will likely have a degree, some may progress based on experience. The more likely scenario is a Junior Python Developer will level up to Senior while working on a degree. Fortunately, thanks to the strong demand for Python expertise, some companies may reimburse students some or all of their tuition. 

Another Path: Freelancing

Freelancing can be an excellent path to Python development. Freelancers can take on contract work, part-time jobs, or ongoing gigs. Many prefer the lifestyle freelancing affords, although others freelance on the side while maintaining full-time employment.

While you might not find hundreds of positions by adding the word freelance to a search, some job listings will include it. Check under job descriptions, and you may see verbiage like "contract," "temporary," or "part-time." Many of these freelance roles specify a time limit of six months, and the freelancer typically works remotely. However, note that even some contract positions require 40 hours per week.

Read "How to Become a Freelance Python Developer” for more information.

How Do I Find A Python Developer Job?

Finding a Python Developer position can come through several avenues, some quite unconventional. A small percentage of development pros teach themselves programming and other skills by combining online tutorials and creating a project portfolio. While this is possible, most professionals agree it’s among the most challenging paths. A much more conventional approach involves getting a degree in a field like computer science, although this discipline can be relevant to a broad range of jobs.

Between the lengthy process of a formal degree program and the uncertain, limited self-taught approach lies a middle ground: immersive bootcamps or certificates. These comprehensive programs can give participants the skills they need for entry-level development positions, plus a portfolio of real-world projects. Startup companies, small organizations, and the freelance world can all be appropriate places for bootcamp graduates to apply.

Whether you get a four-year degree or enroll in a bootcamp, you should also make your candidacy as attractive as possible to recruiters. Popular tips for finding the best Python Developer roles include:

• Create and update a LinkedIn profile, including a professional headshot photo.
• Have a well-written resume highlighting any relevant experience.
• Make sure you have a professional-level portfolio.
• Create and maintain a blog with regular posts highlighting your knowledge.
• Look for in-person and online networking options, like professional organizations.

With tips like these in mind, you can find a roadmap to success that works for you.

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.

Key Takeaways

• The Python Developer career path takes many different forms, with some professionals starting with informal training but others jumping right into formal education.

• Strategies for getting started include:
• Exploration
• Information-Gathering
• Education

• Python Developers enter their careers from varying points. Consider the following:
• Internships - Paid or volunteer internships can help future Developers build a portfolio.
• Entry-Level Roles - Some entry-level positions require a degree, while others may be open to graduates from bootcamps or certificate programs.
• Mid-Level Python Developer Jobs - Most mid-level roles require a degree or several years of experience.
• Senior Roles - Many senior development roles require Python but do not include it in the title. Look for terms like engineer or architect when conducting searches.
• Freelancing - Freelancers may take part-time, contract, or other work that full-time seekers will not want. However, some roles require a degree or years of experience.

• Popular tips for finding the best Python Developer roles include:
• Create a professional LinkedIn profile
• Have a professional-level portfolio
• Leverage networking options like professional organizations

• You can get comprehensive Python development training through an in-person or live online course with Noble Desktop. Top programs include:

• Python Developer Certificate
• Python Programming Bootcamp