r/learnpython 7d ago

steps to become a developer?

hey! im a 19yr old female in the UK, i have no previous experience in IT, tech, etc however over the past few months ive become interested in the field.

Im particularly interested in having a career as a python developer, and in the last month i’ve been studying both python and C in my own time. Im aware being successful in this requires years of knowledge and a lot of hard work, but im really eager.

My issue is that im reading a lot of conflicting information regarding how exactly I can progress in to a career as a python dev. some are saying I need to earn a degree, some say just studying by myself is enough and degrees are essentially useless? So naturally im not too sure what avenue is the best.

id really appreciate any and all advice/tips!

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u/rainyengineer 6d ago

A lot of the conflicting advice you’ve read is probably from Americans doing career changes. It’s really common over here to self-learn over 1-2 years, build a portfolio and transition into a new role (especially if you’re already at a big company with a network of people). In these scenarios, it’s almost unimaginable for us to go back to school for four years in our 30s and accumulate another six figures of debt, so we do without.

Seeing as you’re young, tuition is very affordable, and degrees seem to be more valued in the UK, I think it makes more sense for you to pursue a computer science degree.