Getting a job coding

Hey all,

I’m fairly new to computer programming (took a class on C in college). I started the computer science course about a month ago and I’m about 13% of the way through it. I work about 35 hours a week so I really only have time on my off days or after work to do coding. I feel like I’m making good progress (learning Python and now Git) but does anyone have any idea of a timeframe before I could get an actual job computer programming? I’m trying for a career change (currently work at my local Deli and Pharmacy). I’m probably putting in 20-30 hours a week coding (not positive because I’m not timing myself).

Thanks for your time!

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hello @method6362767422 , good day to you!

First of all, I’d like to say that’s a really good question to ask in the community and definitely, you’re not the first, and I hope you’d continue to strive in this field.

Lastly, getting a job wise varies on specific country’s job opportunities, but I believe in general employer’s tend to look for the following foundation;

  1. Data Structures and Algorithms (Any programming languages can help you with)
  2. Framework(s) knowledge (ReactJS, Django, Laravel, etc)
  3. Specific syntax knowledge (Programming languages, etc)
  4. Git and Github (usually these, others you can picked them easily)

I believe that’s all I know for now.

Feel free to voice out any questions you’d like to verify. I’d do my best to answer.

Thanks Est!

I know it’s kind of a difficult question because everyone learns at different speeds + luck = different experiences for everyone.

I don’t want to take up to much of your time but could you go further into detail about the 4 points you mentioned?

I guess to narrow my question down, is getting a job coding doing just Python unrealistic? Do I have to know multiple programming languages as well as the other things you mentioned?

@method6362767422 you’re welcome!
No worries. I’ll do my best to answer your questions respectively.


In general, the pointers mentioned are the starters and foundations to get into the Software Engineering industry. Based on the pointers,

(1) - I believe you’re doing it already? Since you mentioned you’re enrolled into the computer science course (just not sure is Codecademy’s or other sources). Basically, this is needed for you to be trained in thinking and decision-making, as how to optimize your codes so they can perform better, faster, and precise. Coding practice websites such as HackerRank, CodeWars, LeetCode, etc. they have the corresponding questions to prepare you in one way or another.

(4) - Developers on day-to-day work on their crafts and they need a place to store it. The place they need is a Code Repository, where they can store codes efficiently. You might be wondering why is their localhost in sufficient? Well, Code Repo help to streamline processes across all developers worldwide and they allow you to preserve histories of codes (a.k.a Code Versioning) and gives you the power to safeguard your mistakes by recovering the last working codes (should you make mistakes along the way)

Last but not least, (2 & 3) - As you picked one programming language to code your crafts, you’ll naturally want to be specialised in that field particularly but in the real world, most decision makers tends to have sudden burst of ideas and would like to jumpstart certain ideas in a short amount of time and hence you’d need to come up with a Minimal Viable Product (a.k.a MVP) for them to sell it. Usually when this time comes, Frameworks come in handy, and they’d allow you to rapid prototype the products they require in a short amount of time.


For this, I’m afraid the answer is going to be a, “No”. As cruel as it sound, you can’t stay in Python alone because as you grow, building impressive and powerful products along the way will expose you to other different tools which are language independent (e.g., package dependencies, API calling, etc).

But for the time being, I believe you can pick up the tools required with reference to the role you’d like to be in. Tools such as;

  1. Flask - API building
  2. Django - CMS website
  3. NumPy - Data Science related
  4. and many more…

Hope the above advise and contents can help.

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Thanks for the detailed reply!