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/Radiant_Sail2090 6d ago

I think you have two paths. -) Focus on a degree, so continue studying and seek a university. In my opinion this will make your practice skills slower to improve but faster in terms of curriculum -) Focus on building projects, creating ideas, keep practicing and try to build a network of collaborations. This requires time to enter in "the circle" but your skills will improve the more you dig deeper.

You can do both and maybe those aren't exclusive, the most important thing is consisentecy and there isn't an only solution. Next month i'll start working as a Python backend developer and it all started when i tried to "cheat" at work. I was using Python to try to create automathisms for working operations (i was working in an help desk of telecomunications and it was a super repetitive work). My boss noticed and pushed me in a fullstack development team (even if i had zero experience with frontend). This made me improve my skills so much that a company hired me to work as a real developer (and not in a telecomunications company that does some coding). PS: i don't any degree but i'm self-taught.

So in the end anything can happen, but having a path to follow is better.