Is Python Development Right For Me?

If you are new to Python, you might wonder whether a Python development role is your best choice. Some tech professionals focus mainly on Python, while others learn it as part of a broader data science or development education.

Whether or not you choose Python development over other career alternatives depends on several factors. For instance, does the schedule of a Python Developer work with your work style? Will you find ample job opportunities in the cities where you would consider applying? If not, would you consider moving to a different area, perhaps another part of the country?

Read on to learn more about what Python Developers do and the reasons they choose this intriguing career path.

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.

Why Become a Python Developer?

If you’ve wondered whether Python Developer is a good career choice, the answer is yes. The reason why is equally simple. In a word: variety.

Career paths for Python development professionals can vary even more than the titles they have. Virtually every industry and sector needs Python Developers, from aerospace to healthcare. Those who stick with development roles can have titles that sound different from each other, like:

• Python Developer
• Back End Developer
• Web Developer
• Software Engineer

Many advertised positions don’t mention Python in the title because the employer assumes candidates will have Python development skills. Examples include:

• Junior Level iOS Developer
• Entry Level Application Developer
• Entry Level Software Developer
• Software Engineer Developer Jr.

If these sound confusing, they are. It’s nearly always crucial to look beyond the title and check the qualifications listed. A junior Python development position might also require knowledge of C++/C%, HTML/CSS, and tools like SQL, Agile, or Azure.

Beyond the entry or junior level, Python development roles can lead seamlessly to senior roles. An experienced Python Developer will often move on to a Senior Software Developer or comparable position. The most attractive locations for development positions include major metropolitan areas like New York City, Denver, or San Francisco. Salaries for senior development professionals at large corporations can run as high as $200,000 per year.

Read more about whether Python Developer is the right career for you.

Range of Skills

If you want to work in Python development, you must have a broad skill set that supplements your Python expertise. What that consists of depends on factors ranging from the industry or sector to whether you have a college degree or previous experience.

While many employers include a wish list when they create job postings, a Python development position will likely have several minimum requirements. For example, some companies will require experience with Python frameworks like Django, libraries like NumPy, and version control tools like Git to qualify for entry-level roles.

As for programming languages, Python alone will not land you the most sought-after positions. Many Python development roles also require proficiency in other languages like C++ or Java. To get a better idea of what skills companies typically require, check job boards for listings in your area.

Qualifications

Anyone seeking a role in Python development should know the answer to one question: what qualifications am I willing and able to attain?

Qualifications for Python Developers vary as much as their titles and the industries in which they work. The development skillset—including programming languages and Python proficiency—depends on the industry, sector, and even positions within the company.

Whereas one company might not require a college degree for entry-level positions, others will. Some high-level Python development roles expect applicants to have a certification like Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer (PCEP) or Certified Associate in Python Programming (PCAP). Others require experience with SQL query engines like Impala or Apache Spark.

Again, check job postings to see what type of qualifications local companies desire in their Python development positions.

Industry-Specific Knowledge

A consideration often overlooked by Python development novices is that of industry-specific knowledge. Whether you already work in an industry with a high demand for Python workers or want to learn Python to prepare for a position rather than a sector, consider the value of your current knowledge base.

Many Python Developers transition into their roles from existing positions. For example, if you work in the financial sector, you may already have valuable industry-specific knowledge. Contrast that with a new employee with Python expertise but no financial experience, and you can understand why so many professionals move around within their industry.

Few computer skills apply to single industries, but sometimes data-driven insights require knowledge specific to a sector, like finance or healthcare. Understanding your customers' needs is crucial, especially in areas like application development. If you want to level up from an existing position, you can see the benefit of your industry-specific knowledge.

Freelance & Contract Positions

Remote Python development jobs may require knowledge and experience beyond the skills and qualifications of a direct report. A couple of scenarios for Python Developers are:

• Freelance work
• Remote contract positions

Like other freelancers, freelance Python Developers may work for themselves, choosing which projects they will accept based on personal factors like pay rates, the time required, or flexibility. These types of freelancers typically function as independent companies. If you want to be your own boss, freelancing may be for you; however, consider the many aspects of running a business, from finding gigs to filing taxes as an LLC or corporation.

Even limited contract work can have strict requirements for Python development pros. Some require a college degree, five or more years of experience, plus specialized knowledge of cloud-based systems, data analytics, or Agile project management. Check local listings through LinkedIn, Indeed, or ZipRecruiter for contract work in your local job market.

Location

Do you live in a large metropolitan area? If so, you may find far more Python development opportunities than in a small town or rural area. When seeking work in this field, consider location an essential factor.

In the U.S., some of the best metro areas for developers are well-known cities. Los Angeles, New York City, Chicago, and Dallas are all examples of metros with plenty of opportunities for tech workers. Less obvious to the inexperienced job searcher are places like:

• Boston, Massachusetts
• Austin, Texas
• San Jose, California
• Atlanta, GA
• Seattle, WA
• Charlotte, NC

If you live far from U.S. metropolitan areas, you have another consideration—moving. You might want to move to the city with the highest average pay, or other factors like climate, cost of living, and family obligations might come into play. Remember that an area with above-average salaries may also have an above-average cost of living. Some cities provide a better lifestyle than others at a much-reduced rate. Your research into aspects like these can help you find the right Python development job.

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.

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

• Whether or not you choose Python development over other career options depends on factors like:

• Does the schedule of a Python Developer work with your work style?
• Will you find ample job opportunities where you live?
• If not, would you consider moving to another area?

• Python Developers can hold different titles, including:

• Web Developer
• Back End Developer
• Database Engineer
• Software Engineer

• Python development requires a skill set that varies by industry and position. Typical responsibilities can include:

• Implementing and maintaining cybersecurity
• Integrating front end elements with back end applications
• Web scraping
• Automation testing
• Data visualization

•  Additional considerations for Python can include:

• Range of skills (Python frameworks and libraries, version control, other languages
• Qualifications (certifications, degrees, years of experience)
• Industry-specific knowledge
• Whether to work as a freelancer, contract/temp worker, or direct report
• Location/willingness to move/area salaries

• For intensive training to become a Python Developer, check out in-person or live online courses from Noble Desktop.