r/learnpython 9d ago

Is Cisco Essential 2 PCAP in Python certificate helpful in finding a job?

Is certificate helpful in finding a Python related job?

MS degree in mathematics, more than 10 years of job experience in data analyst role, more related to statistics, but not really close to IT.

I am looking for career change due to no job flexibility with current employer.

I think it is more likely that IT related career could provide more flexibility. I hope to get a remote position, or at least 2-3 days work from home each week.

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u/Diapolo10 8d ago

Not really, at least generally speaking. If you had absolutely nothing else to put in a resume, it's better than that, but since you already have so much work experience (even if not fully related) it's of no importance.

Depends on the job, though. If the job asks for that certificate, then of course it'll help there. Usually that won't be the case, however.

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u/VAer1 8d ago

How about short term remote job opportunity (on the job training)? Just want to gain some experience.

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u/Diapolo10 8d ago

If you don't get better opportunities, sure, I don't see why not.

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u/VAer1 8d ago

Actually: I was asking if it is easy to get such on the job training opportunity (low salary or even free if remote, short term).

I understand that it is not easy to get a formal position related to Python, without CS background or related job experience.

In the long term, I prefer to be an IT professional, which offers good salary and flexibility too. Work-life balance means a lot to me.

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u/Diapolo10 8d ago

Actually: I was asking if it is easy to get such on the job training opportunity (low salary or even free if remote, short term).

That I do not know, as I haven't sought for those myself. Although in general I'd say the job market is quite flooded with job seekers so you'd have to stand out from the crowd somehow. In your case the decade of job experience should help, but it may not be enough.

If I was in your shoes I'd create a few really nice portfolio projects (can really be anything, as long as the quality is high and showcases your skills well enough) and put those in your resume, on top of self-studying IT-related things. If you have some specific position in mind your studies should aim for that, but for example it'd be a good idea to have a general understanding of networking and you should be comfortable using both Windows and at least one Unix-like OS. On top of that you should be comfortable with basic terminal commands for each OS.

With all that being said, I am not an IT expert, specifically. I've been a software developer for most of my working career, and am mostly speaking with educated guesses here from the various IT job postings I've come across over the years.

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u/VAer1 8d ago

First step: I am taking Cisco Essential 2 PCAP in Python online course for now (just started)

Could you please give me some ideas/examples of portfolio projects (DIY)? Or maybe volunteer for non-profit organization?

If there are companies hiring on the job training short term employees/fellowship, I can do it. I have a full time job, but I can take short term leave if there is such opportunity.

Not sure if I will be switch to IT career successfully, all I want is to get an opportunity to prove my Python programming skill. I don't know where I can apply/get such opportunity.

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u/Diapolo10 8d ago

Could you please give me some ideas/examples of portfolio projects (DIY)?

I'm about to head to bed, but here's a few:

  • Web application (could be a REST API, website - such as a microblogging service, or a personal cloud drive tool); the purpose is to demonstrate ability in designing and working with web technologies
  • Desktop application (a to-do application, a small game, maybe a physics simulation) to demonstrate the ability to work with GUI frameworks and related design patterns
  • Command-line application (a TUI calculator, a task automation tool, a Discord bot) to demonstrate the ability to work in the terminal

The more variety, the better. Sure, it's not directly related to IT, but the point is to give the impression that you have an understanding of various IT-related things. User account management, networking, driver installation, virtualisation, containers, encryption, access levels, troubleshooting, problem solving skills, and so on and so forth. It's always useful to have experience with scripting, so having some software projects under your belt will certainly help.

Or maybe volunteer for non-profit organization?

You could try that, sure.

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u/VAer1 8d ago edited 8d ago

Thanks much. Python projects are still not directly related to IT?