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How To Become a Python Developer [2023 Career Guide]
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How To Become a Python Developer [2024 Career Guide]

12 minute read | March 17, 2023
Sakshi Gupta

Written by:
Sakshi Gupta

Ready to launch your career?

Python is among the most exciting, powerful, and popular programming languages today. With its wide range of applications, it’s no wonder that Python has become the go-to language for professionals in the tech industry. From front-end and back-end development to data science, Python has been used to create some of the world’s most popular software and applications.

Python could be the perfect choice for you if you’re a tech enthusiast looking to jumpstart your career. In this article, we’ll look at how to get started with Python regardless of your experience and skill level and how to make the most of the language. Let’s dive in!

What Does a Python Developer Do?

A Python developer is a software engineer specializing in developing software with the Python programming language. They can work on any project, from large-scale enterprise applications to small-scale personal projects. The main job of a Python developer is to write code that helps automate tasks, improve efficiency, and make the user experience more enjoyable.

Is It Hard To Become a Python Developer?

Python is a general-purpose programming language, and you can learn the basics in just a few hours. However, if you want to become a Python developer, then you’ll have to dedicate more time to fully understand the language and its syntax. The good thing is there are plenty of resources available to help along the way.

10 Steps to Becoming a Python Developer

how to become a python developer, 10 steps

If you’re interested in becoming a Python developer, here are ten steps you can take to make that happen.

  1. Complete a Prep Course

  2. Learn the Basics of Python


  3. Determine the Type of Python Developer You Want To Be

  4. Choose a Learning Path That Suits You

  5. Explore Python Frameworks

  6. Hone the Essential Skills

  7. Build a Portfolio

  8. Create a GitHub Profile

  9. Find a Mentor or Talk to People in the Field To Learn About Their Experiences

  10. Pursue an Internship

  11. Tailor Your Resume and Start Applying

Complete a Prep Course

Before you pursue any kind of education, it’s a good idea to invest in a short prep course. You’ll learn everything you need to know about Python and gain a lot of useful insights into the field of software engineering as well.

Learn the Basics of Python

The first thing you should do when getting started with Python is familiarizing yourself with its basic syntax. Python is a simple language with many unique syntactic quirks that can trip up newcomers. Learning how it works will help you avoid common mistakes and save you time in the long run.

Determine the Type of Python Developer You Want To Be

Here are a few career options you can pursue as a Python developer:

Software Developer

A software developer proficient in Python typically designs, develops, tests, and maintains applications using the Python programming language. A typical day for a Python software developer involves writing code, debugging, and testing software applications. They may also be involved in the design of the software and work closely with other front-end developers and designers to create a cohesive product.

Data Scientist

Data scientists are responsible for developing and implementing machine learning models and data analysis using Python. These activities include organizing, cleaning, and preparing data for analysis. They also build and optimize predictive models, present data in meaningful ways, and communicate these results to stakeholders. 

Data Analyst

Data analysts working with Python collect, organize, analyze, and interpret large amounts of data. As they progress in their career, data analysis take on more complex tasks, such as developing deep learning algorithms. They may also become a software team lead or manager, overseeing the work of other data analysts and providing guidance on how to use data to solve problems.

Machine Learning Engineer / Artificial Intelligence Engineer

Machine learning and AI engineers design and develop systems that use machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence techniques. Using Python, they analyze data and develop models, then test and debug their performance. 

DevOps Engineer

A DevOps engineer proficient in Python is responsible for automating and streamlining the software development process. This involves building automation scripts, creating and managing cloud infrastructure, and writing and maintaining scripts for a wide range of tools. 

Choose a Learning Path That Suits You

how to become a python developer, Choose a Learning Path That Suits You

There are various ways to learn Python, and many different resources are available to help you along the way. 

University Degree

A university degree can open up doors to opportunities that may not have been available otherwise. For example, it can allow you to attend conferences or events that require a certain level of education or expertise and may involve registration fees. Not to mention that obtaining a degree can provide a platform for networking with like-minded professionals with similar interests and goals.

Bootcamp

If you want to become a Python developer and are ready to jump in headfirst, then a coding bootcamp is the way to go. For one thing, it’s fast. You’ll learn everything you need to know in just a few weeks of intensive study. In addition, you’ll have access to industry experts who can give you the guidance and support you need to succeed. 

Self-Taught Route

Being self-taught allows you to learn at your own pace without worrying about deadlines or keeping up with the rest of the class. It’s also less expensive than going to college. Being self-taught also gives you the freedom to choose your own projects and learn the skills that interest you most. 

Online Courses

Online courses are a great way to learn Python as a beginner because you can go through the same lesson multiple times if needed, and it’s easy to find help from the community or your teacher if you get stuck. 

Dedicated Coding Websites

Dedicated coding websites such as Codecademy can provide access to some of the most up-to-date resources and training materials for learning Python. You can use these materials to learn how to code in Python from scratch or improve your current skillset.

YouTube Videos

YouTube is a great place to learn Python if you’re just starting out. You’ll find free tutorials, many of which are high-quality and will get you up to speed with the basics in no time. You can also find beginner-friendly videos that teach coding basics like loops and functions, which will help solidify your understanding of important concepts before getting deeper into Python development.

Blogs

Learning Python from online blogs is a great way to get up to speed on the basics of the language. They can provide an introduction to the basic syntax, as well as a range of tutorials and examples to help you understand how to use Python for a variety of tasks.

Explore Python Frameworks

Frameworks are pre-built collections of code and functionality used to create complex applications. By exploring different Python frameworks, you can become familiar with the language’s syntax and structure, and better understand how to develop programs. 

Hone the Essential Skills

how to become a python developer, Hone the Essential Skills
Source: DreamSoft4u

In this section, we’ll cover some of the most critical skills for Python developers.

Technical Skills

As with any language, there are some technical skills that all Python developers should have. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Understanding of object-oriented programming (OOP) concepts 
  • Knowledge of software development best practices and design patterns
  • Experience with web development frameworks such as Flask, Django, and Pyramid 
  • Familiarity with back-end and front-end technologies
  • Working knowledge of version control systems (Git, SVN, etc.) 
  • Ability to use debugging tools to identify and fix issues
  • Familiarity with APIs, web services, and RESTful architectures

Soft Skills

You’ll also need soft skills to succeed as a developer who uses Python:

  • Communication. You need to communicate your ideas and answer questions in a way that others, even non-technical stakeholders, can understand. This includes making sure your code is well-documented and easy for other people to read;
  • Organization. Python developers are often required to manage large amounts of data and organize it in a way that makes sense for the project. This means being able to organize files, folders, and databases efficiently so that the team can quickly locate important information when they need it;
  • Problem-solving skills. Python developers need to be able to solve problems quickly and thoroughly—and not just by writing code! They might have to come up with creative solutions if the problem is more complex than expected, or they may have to find potential flaws in their code.

Build a Portfolio

If you’re looking to make a career in the Python development field, you need to be able to show off your work. And what better way to do that than by working on projects and developing an enviable portfolio? Here are some ways to do that:

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is an excellent way to build your resume and help you land a job as a Python developer. It can help you build connections in the programming community and allow you to practice your technical skills and gain experience working in teams.

Freelance Work

When freelancing, you’re already working with people who need your services, which means you can show off your skills. You’ll get to see what kind of work they want, and you’ll be able to hone your abilities by taking on projects outside your comfort zone. You can include these projects in your portfolio as proof that you know what you’re doing and as an inspiration for new ideas that could help your employer down the road.

Open-Source Projects

An open-source project is available for anyone to study, use, modify, and distribute. And because Python is so popular, there are many open-source projects. Additionally, many companies have used open-source projects to test candidates’ abilities before hiring them full-time.

Start a Blog or a YouTube Channel

Sharing your journey on a blog or YouTube channel will show potential employers your programming journey, that you can mentor younger programmers, and that you can communicate your knowledge effectively.

Create a GitHub Profile

Creating a GitHub profile as a Python developer is important because it allows employers, recruiters, and other developers to view your portfolio of work. It also allows potential employers to understand your coding style and abilities. Besides, you can use a GitHub profile to showcase your open-source contributions, which can be invaluable when job hunting.

Get To Know Other Software Engineering Students

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Pritisha Kumar

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Find a Mentor or Talk to People in the Field To Learn About Their Experiences

A mentor or experienced professional can help you understand the tools and techniques used in Python development, as well as provide you with guidance on how to navigate the landscape.

Pursue an Internship

Pursuing an internship as a Python developer is essential for several reasons. First, because it allows you to gain real-world experience in your field. You’ll have the chance to work with other professionals and gain insight into what it’s like to work in the industry. You’ll also be able to develop your skills and make connections that can help you land your first job. You might even get hired by the company you intern for. 

Tailor Your Resume and Start Applying

When building your resume, highlight any relevant programming experience related to Python. Include any Python courses or training that you have completed. Make sure to read the job role description and tailor your resume according to what’s expected of you, including relevant past projects and specific technical skills you’ve used in the past. Consider adding a portfolio to your resume when it comes time for a job interview.

Related Read: 41 Python Interview Questions [+ Answer Guide]

Becoming a Python Developer: Real-Life Examples To Learn From

Here are a few real-life examples from Python web developers who started from scratch and made it work.

PyLenin

PyLenin is a successful Python web developer who was able to build a career as a successful Python developer without a computer science degree. Despite this, he was determined to learn by reading a wide variety of tutorials. He now works as a Python developer and continues to vlog about his experience. 

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Clever Programmer

Clever Programmer explains in his YouTube channel what his first day as a Python developer looked like. He shares with his audience how having a mentor’s guidance helped him confidently navigate the complex world of programming and make steady progress in his pursuit of becoming a Python developer.

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Becoming a Python Developer: Where To Start

Here are the best ways to get started with Python, depending on where you are in your career path.

No Experience

If you want to become a Python developer and need more experience, the best place to start is by learning the fundamentals of the language. Many online tutorials and certificate programs are available to help you learn the basics of Python, such as syntax and common data structures. Once you understand the basics, you can start to work on more challenging projects such as web development or data science.

Related Career Transition

Becoming a Python developer can be easy if you come from a related career because the language has many similarities to Java and C++ and is considered a more straightforward language. If you already have experience in either of those popular languages, you should be able to pick up Python quickly. Then, ask around at your current company and see if they’re open to offering you the opportunity of working on a few Python projects.

Unrelated Career Transition

The best way to transition if you work in an unrelated field is by building something related to what your current employer does. This could be anything from creating an app for their company to creating a website showcasing their products/services. If you have an idea for something like this but don’t have the programming skills yet, look for online courses that teach you how to build web apps from scratch.

How Much Does a Python Developer Earn?

Here’s how much a Python developer earns depending on their experience level.

Entry-Level Python Developer

how to become a python developer, Entry-Level Python Developer average salary

An entry-level Python developer with one year of experience earns an average salary of $95,929 a year.

Mid-Level Python Developer

how to become a python developer, Mid-Level Python Developer average salary

Mid-level Python developers earn close to $102,090 per year.

Senior Python Developer

how to become a python developer, Senior Python Developer average salary

A senior-level Python developer earns an average salary of $130,753.

Resources To Find Python Development Jobs

Finding a job can be difficult, especially when you don’t know where to look. Here are some resources:

LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is a great place to find jobs if you already have the programming skills that the company is looking for. You can search by location, job title, and keywords related to your skill set.

Job Boards

There are many job boards where you can find open positions at various companies worldwide. Some of these sites, such as AngelList and Glassdoor, allow you to set up alerts to know when new positions become available that match your interests and experience level.

Network

The best way to get your foot in the door is through networking with people who work at companies where you’d like to work. These could be people from previous jobs or friends from college or anywhere else who might know someone who works at a company that interests you.

Slack Communities

Several slack communities are dedicated to software development, such as Indie Hackers or #devchat. They can be a great way to connect with other developers and learn best practices from people who’ve been in the industry longer than you have. They’re also a good place to ask questions if you have trouble finding answers elsewhere.

FAQs About Becoming a Python Developer

We answer your most frequently asked questions.

Is Becoming a Python Developer the Right Career Choice for Me?

That depends on your skills and interests. Becoming a Python Developer can be a great career choice for someone with the right technical skill set. It could be a great career choice if you are interested in the language and have a good foundation in computer science and programming principles.

Is Being a Python Developer a Stressful Job?

It depends. Python developers are often on deadlines, so if you work well under that kind of pressure, then this could be the career for you.

Which Degree Is Best for Python Development?

The best degree for Python development is a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.

Can I Become a Python Developer Without a Degree?

Yes. Many employers value experience over degrees when it comes to software development roles, so if you can demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and basic knowledge, then you should be able to find a job.

Can I Learn Python in Three Months and Land a Job?

It is possible to learn Python in three months. Landing a job in such a short amount of time is more difficult. Ultimately, it depends on your current skill level and the time you are willing to dedicate to learning. You will need a solid foundation in programming concepts, data structures, and algorithms, as well as Python knowledge, to succeed.

Since you’re here…
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About Sakshi Gupta

Sakshi is a Managing Editor at Springboard. She is a technology enthusiast who loves to read and write about emerging tech. She is a content marketer with experience in the Indian and US markets.