Python Developer Related Career Paths

Python Developer is part of a greater field of careers under specific categories. Not every advertised position mentions Python in the job title, as many recruiters expect all applicants will have Python development expertise. Examples include:

• Back End Developer
• Web Developer
• Entry Level Software Developer
• Junior Level iOS Developer

Even the word “developer” may not appear in a job listing requiring Python development skills. Consider titles like:

• Software Engineer
• Application Architect
• Software Architect
• Python Engineer

Python development affects virtually every industry and sector, too. For this article, consider some of the most essential:

• Information Technology (IT)
• Banking, Financial Services, & Insurance (BFSI)
• Healthcare
• Retail
• Hospitality

If you want to pivot to a different career or find a new role with a few key differences, read on to learn about some options.

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.

Software Engineer

The Software Engineer title has come increasingly under fire in recent years. The reason: geographic location often determines whether a company will refer to a role as Software Engineer, Web Developer, Software Developer, or even Web Engineer.

For this reason alone, you should gain a strong understanding of what software engineering requires, regardless of job title. While a Software Engineer typically works with applications or systems, a Python Developer uses Python to create scripts, develop back end web applications, and crunch data.

To simplify the distinction, consider this: most Software Engineers have Python Development skills. However, not all Python Developer careers require software engineering skills like monitoring system performance or building programs for hardware. Still, some companies have Software Engineers perform Python development tasks.

Web Developer

Like Software Engineer, Web Developer is another general title that can confuse tech job seekers. Some Web Developers are also Python Developers, while others primarily use HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. 

Fortunately, this designation offers less confusion than others. A Python Developer may also be a Game Developer or Application Developer, whereas a web development role typically requires front end, back end, or full stack responsibilities.

While some Back End Developers use Python, many Web Developers work mainly with UX/UI Designers or Product Managers. Both Python Developers and different Web Developers may use scripting languages, but the similarities may end there. Consider a Python Developer as a Web, App, or Game Developer with a Python specialization.

Full Stack Developer

Full Stack Developers can easily find positions in a range of fields. That is because they have Front End and Back End development skills, which is not always true for a development pro. If you want to work on both front end and back end elements, the Full Stack Developer role may be for you.

One reason many tech pros consider Full Stack Developer as a role related to Python is that some use the language while others do not. Python can support your journey to be a Full Stack Developer. It's the most popular language for server-side applications. However, you will also likely need to learn HTML/CSS, JavaScript, or other languages for front end development. 

How to Decide Which Career is Right for You

The path to a Python development career is wide. Development professionals from diverse backgrounds work in nearly every field, from healthcare to hospitality.

If you already work in a field with a high demand for Python Developers, you may want to level up from an existing position. Here your path forward depends on factors like your previous experience and current role. Many people move from jobs like Computer Programmer or Designer into development roles.

If you are starting with no Python experience, your path may be even broader. Consider fields with the highest demand for Python Developers, like IT, banking, financial services & insurance (BFSI), or retail. You can either look for a Python development role in a particular field, or get Python training appropriate to any development position. Whether you know what you want to do or still need direction, a Python development education can give you the skills to work in numerous roles.

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.