How Four Programmers Got Their First Python Jobs

Key Points

• Understanding the underlying logic of programming concepts, not just the specific syntax of a certain language, helps to get the first Python programming job.
• Getting hands-on experience with resources like Codewars and Kaggle to solve practical problems is a valuable way to prepare for Python work.
• Even if the opportunity is not exactly aligned with the original goal, keep an open mind, which may bring unexpected rewards.
• In the field of programming, continuous learning is crucial, including familiarity with different libraries, building personal applications, and seeing challenges as opportunities to deepen language understanding.
• Aspiring Python developers should be immersed in coding culture, subscribe to relevant forums, listen to podcasts, and read books to stay up to date and improve their skills.

No one will really know how to get a job done before doing it. Most people get coveted positions through some weird combination of experience, connections and hard work. Real experience comes from the work itself. Then you have the opportunity to apply what you know to a practical problem and see it pay off. The following four programmers obtained their first Python jobs in different ways. Some people have previous Python experience, some don't. Some people know what they are doing, while others discover it later. Understanding how they got their first Python job may help you get your first job. Here are their practices. Want to improve your Python skills and stand out in a rapidly growing market? Check out SitePoint Premium! You will find some introductory books (such as "Python Apprentice") and some books that will allow you to master employment skills (such as "Python Front-end Testing". Improve your skills with Master Python and access a growing library of over 400 books and courses on web design and development. ——Nathan Grieve

First Python job: Data scientist Nathan's way to get a job

At the same time I completed my degree in physics, I applied for data science at a small tech startup that mainly uses Python (and SQL). The problem is, I had no Python experience at the time. During the interview, I used pseudo-code to answer programming questions to prove that I understand these concepts. Pseudocode uses encoding logic, not encoding syntax. So by using the same logic as Python, I can show an understanding of the concept without targeting any particular language. For example, any computer scientist can understand the simple pseudo-code below, but unless they have used Python functions before, they may not be able to understand Python functions.

Python code:

loop_index = 0
while loop_index < 5:
    print(loop_index)
    loop_index += 1

Pseudocode:

loop_index = 0
while loop_index < 5:
    print(loop_index)
    loop_index += 1

Pseudocode is also easier to read for humans. It is not actually very different from the code, just avoiding language-specific syntax. And using it works! They gave me the job. But of course, I had to really learn the language before I got on board.

Nathan's suggestion

For those who want to enter this field, my advice is to solve the actual problem as soon as possible. At the Project Hatch company I co-founded, where we analyse startups and provide them with analytical data to help their business grow, we do hire self-taught people, but between people who only take Codecademy-style courses and those who really use their knowledge There is a huge skill gap. I would say, keep completing the Codewars challenge until you reach the point where you don't need to repeatedly look up which parameters should be used and their order. If you are looking for a practical problem that needs to be solved, go to Kaggle, where there are a large number of data sets to use and practice extracting useful information from it. For example, if you are looking at a dataset for food recipes, you can align the dataset with local food prices to find all recipes that make meals under $5. When you’re ready for the real challenge, try the Kaggle competition. You will find problems that need to be solved and companies willing to pay. These challenges can be very difficult at first, but you will learn a lot in the process of discussing solutions with other computer scientists on the forum. ——Bill Price

First Python job: Cybersecurity architect Bill's way to get a job

As a NASA network administrator and security engineer, I have been supporting Python developers for years, so I learned about the power and flexibility of this language before new opportunities emerge. In 2017, a large financial institution contacted me and invited me to join a team that was responsible for developing a new evaluation process to identify monitoring gaps in specific business processes and their support applications. I believe they came to me because of mine:

• Cyber ​​and Security Experience
• Lack of experience in finance because they want a whole new technical perspective to solve their problems
• Able to find out actual needs
• Ability to handle new projects with an open mind and no preconceived ideas

Interestingly, without my knowledge, this turned out to be my first Python job. Our team needs to classify gaps, identify possible mitigation measures, and report our findings to leadership. We first mapped the application to each business process, but quickly realized that the different datasets we needed to review (application and hardware inventory, Qualys vulnerability scans, daily BladeLogic reports, Splunk logs, etc.) for importing into Excel spreadsheets Too big in the middle. Additionally, we have no access to traditional UNIX text processing resources, nor the administrative rights of our workstations, where we may have installed any new data management tools. And we don't have the budget to buy new tools. However, we can access Python, a complete set of Python libraries, and install Python using existing enterprise support software. I didn't know Python at first. I have to study at work, and fortunately I did it. Python is critical to our ability to parse hardware inventory based on applications used by our business processes, isolate vulnerabilities related to the appropriate hardware, and identify unauthorized services running on any device that supports one or more applications.

Bill's suggestion

I have three suggestions for aspiring Python developers. First, be familiar with the different libraries available in Python that may help you with your future work. Our team uses mechanize, cookielib, urllib, urllib2 and csv extensively. If you are following a machine learning project, please pay attention to libraries like TensorFlow, Numpy, and Keras. Next, be aware of processes that require automation, or where existing automation can be improved. There is a chance to apply Python. Finally, prepare a good Python reference book to complement all available online resources. I recommend Violent Python by T.J. O'Connor. ——Vinay Naik

First Python job: Full-stack developer Ways to get a job in Vinay

When I started my career as a Python programmer, I was a complete newbie with only very basic knowledge of Python and other programming languages. In preparation for the interview, I learned the basics of Python on the Internet for several days in a row. I've browsed almost all variations of articles about "Top 10 Python Questions Asked in Interviews". But it turns out that the interviewer I had at my first job (a full-stack developer working for cloud-based software) knew all the common tips that beginners used to pass interviews, and he had read the same articles I've read. Thankfully, he just asked me some practical application questions and some basic Python syntax. His focus is to check if I have correct analytical thinking and good logic. He said to me, "Any developer can copy syntax from basic Google searches. Only logic can distinguish between good developers and bad developers." It was this logic that got me the job, but it was just I had to pass the first test. As a full stack developer, I have to learn not only Python as a backend language, but also front-end technologies such as Angular, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, etc. Consolidating my mastery of all these techniques in a week was a nightmare. Another problem is that once I find a job, they expect me to get everything right away and push me directly into a project with a strict time limit. It took me over six months to get into the state and feel satisfied with the task and workload. One very important thing that most people fail to understand is that our education is not prepared for the challenges faced by developers’ professional lives. It's all up to us to invest our time, learn and develop our skills ourselves.

Vinay's suggestions

Don't just learn grammar and read information about this language. Instead, implement some simple applications and try to learn a framework for the language. Only when you start implementing will you ask more questions and really learn the language. The answers to the questions you face will make you proficient in this language. ——Jordan Rowland

First Python job: Technical support Jordan's way to get a job

I don't have a college degree and started self-taught Python about 22 months ago. In 2015, I worked as an ordering staff at a restaurant. I'm technically good at it, but I haven't done any coding. I was basically a loser with a serious alcoholism and no ability to really set and pursue goals. Six months later, I was fired by this company. This is a huge luck. After that, I got my first computer-related job. I was hired as a support staff member by a tech startup, but that didn’t require much technical skills, just being able to use the computer at a moderate level. I worked there for 20 months and then got fired again, which was also a huge blessing. I had already quit drinking a few months before I stopped working there and soon got another job to support another startup. But I quickly learned that the job will be relocated, which means I have to find another job I might hate. I had a few months before I left work, so I started to teach myself Python, using Automating Boring Jobs with Python every day after get off work. After leaving that job, I had two months of unemployment, and I continued to teach myself Python, as well as some web development. I applied for a support position in a web application using Python as a backend technology, and I mentioned in the interview that I was familiar with Python and was able to discuss their program with them (it relies heavily on web crawling). They hired me. While working there, I taught myself SQL and took the Udemy course in the evening. This is not part of my job description, but I am using Python and writing scripts to improve my productivity, such as quality assurance of data collected by the application. I continue to learn and code after get off work every day, become familiar with data science, and build larger, more robust programs. During that job, I started looking for ideas for portfolios. My plan is to build my portfolio and then start applying for a developer position a year later. I think a good place to find ideas is a job site called AngelList where I can find companies that use Python as their tech stack and then build something similar to their products. When I searched for these positions, I found a posting similar to the job I was doing (support) but it emphasizes very much on Python and SQL. And the salary is much higher. I applied on a whim; my intention was not even to find a new job. I had a pre-interview with the product manager, had a small technical test, and then had a three-hour interview with some developers and other product managers. I ended up being hired, so I left my job to do my first job that formally required and required to write Python code in the job description. I'm still there now and recently switched to a full-time backend Python developer. The date I have been learning Python for two years is February 2020. I learn almost every day after get off work, improving my skills and understanding more advanced concepts.

Jordan's suggestion

You need to work hard for this. You need to give up the happiness and convenience in the short term for future returns. In my opinion, if you put in your time, it will pay off in the end. I did get some lucky breaks along the way and I ended up in a perfect position to be hired by my current company, but that still happens to me because I work so hard for it. I was immersed in the coding culture, subscribed to subreddits, listened to podcasts, and read books. Coding became an obsession.

Summary

Although these programmers have taken different approaches to obtain their first Python job, their stories have many similarities.

• Understanding the underlying logic of programming concepts can allow you to step into the door.
• Solving practical problems with resources like Codewars and Kaggle is a great way to prepare for your job.
• Be open to new opportunities, even if they are not what you really want, may lead you to unexpected – and great – places.
• Never stop learning, whether at work or outside of work. Familiar with different libraries, build your own applications, and see challenges and problems as opportunities to deepen your language understanding.

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FAQs about getting your first Python job (FAQ)

• What skills do I need to get my first Python job?

To get your first Python job, you need a solid understanding of the Python programming language. This includes knowledge of Python syntax, data structures, control flows, and error handling. Additionally, you should be familiar with Python libraries and frameworks such as Django, Flask, and Pandas. Knowledge of front-end technologies such as databases (SQL and NoSQL) and HTML, CSS, and JavaScript is also a plus. In addition to technical skills, problem-solving skills, good communication skills, and understanding of agile methods can also be beneficial.

• How can I gain practical experience in Python programming?

There are several ways to gain practical experience in Python programming. You can work on personal projects, contribute to open source projects, or participate in coding challenges and hackathons. These activities not only help you apply your Python knowledge in real-world scenarios, but also provide you with substantial evidence of skills that can be demonstrated to potential employers.

• How can I make my Python job application stand out?

To make your Python job application stand out, you need to effectively demonstrate your Python skills. This can be done by including your portfolio of Python projects, highlighting your contribution to open source projects, or providing links to your Python code on platforms such as GitHub. In addition, certification from well-known platforms can also add value to your application.

• As a beginner, what Python jobs can I apply for?

As a beginner, you can apply for entry-level Python jobs such as a junior Python developer, Python testing engineer, or data analyst. These roles usually involve writing and testing Python code, debugging Python applications, or analyzing data using Python.

• How should I prepare for a Python job interview?

To prepare for a Python job interview, you should review your Python knowledge, including Python syntax, libraries, and frameworks. You should also be prepared to solve coding problems, as many employers use coding tests to evaluate candidates’ Python skills. Additionally, it may be helpful to review common Python interview questions and practice your answers.

• What is the average salary for a job in Python?

The average salary for a Python job varies greatly, depending on the position, company, and location. However, according to Indeed, the average annual salary of Python developers in the United States is about $110,000.

• Does beginners have remote Python job opportunities?

Yes, beginners have remote Python job opportunities. Many companies embrace remote work, especially in the tech industry. Websites such as Upwork, LinkedIn, and Indeed often list remote Python work.

• How can I stay up to date with the latest Python development?

To stay up to date with the latest Python development, you can follow Python-related blogs, join the Python community, attend Python conferences and parties, and participate in online Python courses.

• I don't have a computer science degree, can I get a Python job?

Yes, you can get a Python job even without a computer science degree. Many employers value practical experience and skills rather than formal education. However, having a degree in computer science or related fields can be a plus.

• What are the career development opportunities in Python programming?

Python programming provides many career development opportunities. As you gain experience, you can advance to positions such as a senior Python developer, Python architect, or data scientist. You can also specialize in web development, data analysis, machine learning, or artificial intelligence.

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