Start your Python job search with confidence
Start your Python job search with confidence
Tips for preparing to look for your ideal role, plus how much you could earn
Hey Grokking Python readers!
Have you ever searched for a new job and run into nothing but frustration? It's not an uncommon outcome, but it doesn't have to be that way! By following advice from experts and successful job searchers, you can reduce the headaches associated with looking for a new role.
Today, we'll share some of this advice as we continue our discussion of Python developer careers. Last week, we covered different career paths and the first three steps to becoming a Python developer. To review, those steps were:
Step 1. Make a career plan
Step 2. Get an education
Step 3. Get real-world experience
Today, we'll go over the next three steps of the process, which focus on preparing for and conducting a job search. We'll also discuss how long your journey to becoming a Python developer might take and how much you can expect to make in different roles.
Let's go!
Step 4. Earn a certification (optional)
After finishing your education, you'll typically have some kind of credential to show for your efforts, like a diploma or a certificate. But so will many other aspiring developers! To stand out to employers, consider pursuing an additional credential, like a professional certification.
We've included this as Step 4 but earning a certification can be worked into any stage of your plan or even after you've landed a job. Some certification programs even require previous work experience in the field.
Compare and contrast: There is a difference between a certification and a certificate. Certifications are industry specific and typically provided by tech organizations, and they denote your ability to perform a technical task. Certificates are generally offered through colleges and universities and provide a crash course in a professional field. Many certificate programs also offer specialization within these fields, providing opportunities to increase your value to employers further.
Universities and colleges offer many different certificates. They are typically structured for those who already work 40 hours a week, and there are some that are in-person, online, or completely asynchronous.
Certifications are a great way to show employers your skills and commitment to the field. They can even be used as a bargaining chip when it comes time to negotiate or adjust your salary.
Some popular Python-specific certifications include:
PCEP – Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer
The Python Institute has a host of Python certifications, the one above is intended for beginners
Time estimate: Certifications take varying amounts of time. The quickest can be completed in only a few months, but others may take one or two years depending on the pacing, and the breadth and depth of content.
Step 5. Prepare for your job search
Preparation is key to executing an efficient job search. Before you start submitting applications, consider the following:
How can I leverage and expand my network? Use LinkedIn and other social media to connect with fellow alumni or other Python developers, especially if they work for companies you're interested in. Attend Python conferences, which often feature job fairs and provide great opportunities to meet passionate developers already working in the industry.
Can I improve my portfolio to highlight my skills better? We also included this in Step 3 (gain experience), but only because it's so important. Having a portfolio of work that you're prepared to talk through is crucial when it comes time to interview.
What areas of the interview process do I need to work on? Solve coding challenges, study common technical and behavioral questions, and be prepared to talk about specific experiences from your journey thus far.
Time estimate: Spend at least one to three months on this step. Failing a technical interview is never fun.
Step 6. Search for Python programmer jobs
If you've come this far, pat yourself on the back. It's a long road, but we assure you it will be worth it. There are plenty of online resources that double as job boards:
Indeed
LinkedIn
Glassdoor
Dice
ZipRecruiter
Browse any or all of these sites to find jobs worth applying to. We recommend keeping a spreadsheet or some form of documentation to track your job applications, as it is easy to forget the particulars of each job during the search.
Time estimate: Most of the time, it will take at least several months, even if employers respond and schedule interviews promptly. Hiring managers and recruiters are typically difficult to pin down as far as the time between applying and hiring. Furthermore, companies' hiring practices can differ a lot in terms of the amount of communication you'll receive and the speed of the process. Don't be conservative with how many applications you submit, and try not to get discouraged if you find yourself in a streak of rejection. A lot of the time, it comes down to putting yourself out there and being persistent.
How long does it take to become a Python developer?
If you've been doing the math along the way, you'll know that the total time it takes to become a Python developer varies greatly. It may take only a few months to several years to fully reach your Python developer dreams, depending on several factors.
Prior technical knowledge: How much do you know about Python or your prospective area of work?
Work experience: How well does your work history align with this new career venture?
Education: What level of education do you have to start the process?
Career goals: If you're aiming to start as a junior developer and work up, you'll be employable sooner than if you aim to be a senior machine learning engineer.
Job market: The time it takes is also greatly influenced by economic factors well out of your control. If there are few jobs available and competition is high, be prepared to spend more time upskilling and searching for jobs, as you will be competing with a larger pool of applicants.
It's an ambiguous answer, but there are so many different Python applications and even more jumping-off points depending on your personal situation. If you already have a bachelor's in computer science and have used Python before, you're already well on your way. If the job market is healthy and you are equipped with a workable portfolio, it may take only a few months until you find yourself getting paid to use Python.
If you're starting from scratch and want to get a degree, don't fret. Just be prepared to spend several years getting where you want to go. Luckily the tech industry and Python aren't going anywhere anytime soon.
How much can you expect to make as a Python developer?
Since there are so many different technical specializations to skill into for Python developers, it can be tricky to nail down one pay-range estimate. We'll break down what certain specializations may make on average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Data scientist: $108,660 per year
Software developer (general): $110,140 per year
Machine learning engineer: $131,490 per year
Computer systems analyst: $99,270 per year
Web developer: $77,200 per year
Remember: These numbers are just averages, so your actual salary might be higher or lower than these values.
Regardless of your field of study or your projected career path, the opportunity for growth in tech and programming jobs is remarkable. As your experience and role tenure increase, your salary will too. Starting by learning Python can help you break into some of the highest-paying jobs in tech.
Pro tip: Glassdoor allows current and past employees to submit anonymous reviews regarding compensation and company culture.
We'll wrap up next week with more essential advice
We hope you feel more confident about preparing for and executing a job search. Even if it isn't your first trip through this process, hopefully, you've found some nuggets of helpful information in today's edition.
The road to a Python developer career may appear long but remember: the compensation and less tangible benefits of completing this journey can be pretty compelling!
Next week, we'll conclude our September career series with more Python-specific guidance, including notes about the skills, technologies, education, and experience that are required for various specializations.
If you want to keep making progress toward your goal, consider reading about the importance of soft skills and other traits beyond technical ability in the meantime. For starters, you can check out this article on 6 characteristics that can make you an outstanding developer.
As always, happy learning!