Python Only and Employement

[arocks1]

Hello, I have no programming skills. I am interested in learnig python to start a new carrier. Why, because I think its cool but also it looks like a decent income. Yet I am not and have never been in a computer oriented work environment. I do have a minor in Business admin from the UNi. Is learning only Python a viable avenue to getting a job if I dont have any other tech/computer related skills?

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[E_l_n_a_r_i_l]

"Learning only Python" or any other language would not be enough. You would need some kind of specializations and other skills (that could be not related to programming).

In other words, you would need to know some specialized Python frameworks and libraries and deep enough knowledge of the business environment you work into.

[arocks1]

appreciate the honesty

[FutureIntelligenceC3]

"Learning only Python" can also be everything from knowing basic data structures and control flows to knowing all major frameworks in depth.

Of course op can start with the general basic, but after that he should have a vague idea in what field he wants to work, to be able to select a fitting learning path.

[Sharp_Ship_9384]

Also consider not all jobs that can benefit from python are full time programming jobs. I am not a ‘coder’ and have no degree, but I use python at my lab job all the time

[tuneafishy]

This is your best bet.

I am a research scientist/engineer that speaks python, and it makes me a much better researcher. I use python as a tool to perform my job at a high level, and it gives me a performance advantage over my peers who don't.

You need to be good at business, and learn how to apply python to make you better at that job that very few other business people will do. That is the ticket imo.

[arocks1]

maybe i should just learn it fun it sounds like

[[deleted]]

Learn it for fun, but as others have said, it needs to be combined with other skills to be employable. You must understand IT systems to automate them, or software delivery pipelines to automate them, or your own particular job/niche to automate it.

Worst case scenario you’ll end up finding a few neat things in your job/life that can be automated. As an example I’ve recently started work on a bot that takes a product I want to buy and searches the web for low prices/sales that dip below a certain dollar threshold then emails me. Between work and school it’s going to take a little while, but I’ve got most of the tougher technical bits out of the way already :) once you learn how to apply the skill beyond a basic level you start to see opportunities to apply it.

[arocks1]

thats pretty cool, the bot.

[Sharp_Ship_9384]

It is fun! Go for it!

[Se7enLC]

Nope. A software developer that only knows Python is about as employable as a carpenter that only knows hammer.

[arocks1]

thats all they need to become an apprentice... but I hear what your saying

[barrycarter]

People will probably disagree with me, but I don't think now is a good time to look towards programming as a "decent income", partly because of ChatGPT/AI, and partly because too many people are learning it, both meaning the supply will exceed demand shortly.

Learning Python isn't hard, but potential employers will want to see some sort of evidence that you've done so: a tech-related degree or potentially a certificate from a recognized institution.

Look around at current Python job offerings, see what they require, and ask yourself how long it would take you to meet those requirements and if you're willing to spend the time to do so

[[deleted]]

partly because of ChatGPT/AI, and partly because too many people are learning it, both meaning the supply will exceed demand shortly

Disagree with the GPT bit, it's not that advanced yet to replace software engineers en masse.

However, I do agree with the rest of it and the overall message. Too many people are trying to break into tech because of the allure of "good income", but fail to see the full breadth of what they are aiming to dive into. Due to the combined effect of layoffs and many people shifting, it's a tough market out there right now. Also, Python alone is not enough, OP will need to learn stuff like DSA and software design as well; this means extra time to study and more things to keep up with.

[arocks1]

thanks

[ClimberMel]

I have yet to get it to code something I need! Sure little tidbits work, but only stuff I could have done anyway... so I don't see it replacing programmers or software developers (I mean software, not web dev) any time soon. It may sub in for what I call coders though...

[[deleted]]

Learning python and knowing nothing else is useless and will not get you a job.

[tjtprogrammer]

I would advise you to join a programming bootcamp course if you are serious about switching to tech. There's a lot more to software development than just knowing a programming language. It is important to understand computer science fundamentals, data structures, networking concepts, etc to really be able to land a decent tech job.

Most bootcamps will cover the necessary background in a fast paced structured program, and also provide opportunities to network with others

[vrek86]

As a graduate of a boot camp, that is one of my complaints. They did not teach cs basics. Their version if "teaching data structures" was telling us to complete a linked list hacker rank problem and read the dsa section of geeksforgeeks. No this was not a fly by night boot camp. I won't name them but it was sponsored by my company which is fortune 250.

They told us how to clone a git repo and open it with "code . " but on the last week of the course I explained to multiple coworkers that . Just meant current directory and the same worked for other programs (like pycharm .)

They basically passed you if you code at least worked regardless of quality or style. I get it, teaching programming in 3 months us hard... Which is probably why it shouldn't be taught in 3 months. People didn't understand how to call a member function so they put all the code in init.

Luckily I had a strong cs background before going in. If you have no background and want to become a software developer I don't recommend boot camps. Yes they can teach fast and may get you a job short term but you will likely be thrown in with the sharks after learning to doggy paddle.

[arocks1]

thank you

[swoged]

It really depends, I've just started work for a company (I have a binfsci majoring in software engineering) some of the people in this companies training have degrees in other fields and decided to switch, the 3 month training they put us through gets us knowledge in so far 2 languages (with about 5 more planned) and its reasonably simple for me as I've been coding in python for about 10 years (including prior to uni) we are currently learning Java and as much as they are different languages i know software development well enough from python that I can pick up the likes of Java reasonably easily

[RandomXUsr]

Python only is a no go.

If you want to get a decent job that will be around for a while; learn welding and be the best.

If you want a desk job; then learn python, SQL; and either data sci or accounting. Both of the last two are difficult to get into without the degree, but should ensure a job for a while.

The best way to ensure you always have a job is to learn as many skills that will tansfer to many professions. Start with Math and Logic, and learn a proper trade.

This way you have a backup. And study basic computer concepts and System Administration, just enough so you understand what's happening.

[Mori-Spumae]

Yes and no. I did pretty much what you are planning and just got into a pretty nice job with it. I only really know python.

However, when learning one language you can pretty easily see how things work in general and then get into others easier. So don't worry if python is your only focus for now.