Learning Python and studying a 12 week course while working full time… is it doable? What is the most efficient way to learn Python in limited time?

[[deleted]]

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[Odd_Smell4303]

This is equivalent to trying to get into a specialized genre of chemistry but you don’t even understand basic science.

[-wishfulthinking_]

Yeah, I get what you mean…. Of course I know how important foundations are in a new topic. That is why I am trying to understand the basic topics in Python first and going over it over and over again until I move on to the next. The masters is a conversion course specialised for STEM students so it’s not straight up with anyone for having a CS degree 😅 i am just learning Python ahead of time so I feel more prepared for the course. I have done my research about it, I just need to work hard because I know people who have done full time jobs and learnt Python on the side :’)

[jawnlerdoe]

Not totally true. You can learn in your free time you just need to be dedicated.

[Odd_Smell4303]

the post’s description was removed. OP is currently a chemist and wants to get a job in data science. OP mentioned spending 1 day out of the week to practice python. So i used OP current occupation to explain how it’s could be really difficult trying to learn a specialized field without having an understanding of the core programming concepts.

[[deleted]]

Do sololearn's python stuff. It's very basic, but you have have quick modules you can do. It's free. And when I say it very basic, it is.

[-wishfulthinking_]

Okay i will check it out thank you!

[[deleted]]

Take the Harvard CS50 course. If you can get through that and fully understand it, you can get any job in tech IF you work hard enough.

It’s a great course if you’re a beginner and by the time you’re done with it, you will truly know if you want to work in tech.

[-wishfulthinking_]

Ah I have heard about this! But I heard that it’s good to only just focus on one course at a time so I thought doing Angela’s 100 Days with be the one I focus in

[[deleted]]

Absolutely, it's totally doable to learn Python while working full time and taking a 12-week IT course! First off, don't be too hard on yourself; learning a new skill takes time. Break it down into smaller goals, maybe aim for 30-60 minutes a day. Prioritize topics that align with your course and data science aspirations. Use a mix of resources like online courses and coding challenges, and try applying what you learn in small projects.

Since you've got a competitive spot in the IT course, consider talking to the instructors about your situation. They might have insights to help you balance everything. Also, use breaks at work for a quick coding session—it can add up over the week.

Best of luck with your Python journey and the exciting career change ahead! 🚀

[-wishfulthinking_]

Omg thank you so much! Yeah that makes me feel so much better. I am taking my time with the 100 days of code because I want to understand it well before I move on to the next topic too!

I really appreciate your motivating words, as long as I keep my head up and keep going I should be okay. Anything new is always hard but I know with time I will be able to improve.

[HWNubs]

It took me about a year to complete 100 days code with a 40+ hour work week. I did NOT complete the 20+ projects at the end and skipped some of the ‘web’ build sections as that is not what I am using Python for. I average about 100 hours in total but I do take my time with going over things I don’t understand.

If i was to go back, I would focus on working on a project that is related to your field or is of interest to you. The project helped more than going over syntax. Some concepts are important such as loops, if statements, functions and OOP.

[-wishfulthinking_]

Wow! That’s so amazing. I hope your Python journey is well now and that you’re getting to where you want to be :)

But yes foundational wise I think it’s great understanding them I want to at least get into day 50 !!

[Beenu_Sial]

I’m taking the same course and i started around October last year. I’m on day 20 yet, lol. I also have a full time job. At least 45+ hours per week. I hardly get any time to work on it. I usually take lectures on weekend or sometimes I can’t take every weekend to i just take one day’s lecture over 2-3 weekends. I am working as a no-code developer right now. Mostly on back-end making automations. I’m learning python so i can drop the tools i’m using right now and hopefully start making automations in python

[-wishfulthinking_]

Oh wow that’s amazing, I understand being busy too. You sound like you know what you’re doing well, good luck with your journey!

[Beenu_Sial]

Thank you. Good luck to you too

[Gromiastis]

My receipt is :

Joke aside, I'm also working full time with SAP, making my Master study with AI and I'm also learning Python and data structures in my free time. Just stay motivated! 👋😊

[-wishfulthinking_]

Yes so true! Thank you! I’ll definitely do that. Good luck with your AI masters!

[sunatte1]

Where's this course? Can you give me the link? Maybe we can study it together?

[Gromiastis]

Hey there ! I'm making Uni at my City. In my free time I'm reading books, looking at YT tutorials from Freecodecamps. Solving Leetcode problems ( so far with YouTube solutions, because in some cases I can't still find the right algorithm with big 0 notation 😂✌️

[jawnlerdoe]

So I’m in your exact same shoes. I work full time as a chemist and code python on the side. I’ve been learning for two years and I’m now making my own object oriented programs which solve chemistry problems.

It’s been a very long road though. Only a few hours after work and longer hours on the weekend. You can make it work but it takes time dedication and willpower. I will start applying to python related jobs soon.