6 jobs to make use of your Python skills
Data Scientist
Where data has emerged as the new oil, companies are bent on collecting and using massive amounts of data. This is where data scientists come into the picture. Data scientists are artists who build meaning out of messy, raw data points. With an expertise in Python, you’ll also be able to interpret and visualize data better. Being the second most desirable tech skill required by employers in a data scientist, Python employs important libraries for data science. Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib are a few amongst those used for data manipulation and visualization.
Primary job requirements:
- Degree in computer science, statistics, maths, engineering or some related field (Bachelor’s, Master’s or PhD)
- In-depth knowledge of statistical and predictive modelling, machine learning and principles of data visualization
- Expertise in either Python or R
- Deep understanding of SQL, a database querying language
- Big data technologies like Hadoop.
ML (Machine Learning) Engineer
Engineers expert in machine learning are individuals who deal with large volumes of data, making sense out of it. Not only do they extract meaning out of it but also design and implement software that’s built on that data. In this domain, Python is known to break down complex concepts into easier, simpler ones. In addition, it reduces the development time and offers libraries which are robust in nature and specific to AI and ML, like TensorFlow, Scikit-learn and Pandas.
Primary job requirements:
- Degree in computer science, statistics, maths or some related field (Master’s or PhD)
- In-depth understanding of algorithms and frameworks of machine learning like Scikit-learn and TensorFlow
- Expertise in modelling
- A software engineering background with coding skills in Python, R, Java, C++.
Web Developer
Being a web developer will require you to work in close relations with web designers in order to create fully functional websites. To make websites come alive, you’ll need hands-on knowledge of a variety of tools and programming languages. Working on interactive features, design elements and layout are a few of the many functions you’ll be expected to perform in your role of a web developer. Also, apart from being less complicated and more readable, Python offers a set of web frameworks which adds brownie points as a back-end development language. Here, a few popular web frameworks of Python are Flask, CherryPy and Pyramid.
Primary job requirements:
- Degree in computer science or a related field (Bachelor’s)
- Knowledge of front-end languages like CSS, HTML, JavaScript, etc.
- Programming skills in back-end languages like PHP, Python, Ruby.
- Understanding of tools like Photoshop and WordPress, a content management system
- A portfolio showcasing your previous work and skill levels.
Mobile Developer
Even though Python might not be your go-to language as a mobile developer, it still can add significant value to your skills. Where you can add features and increase functionality with this programming language, who says it’s entirely impossible to build an app out of Python? You’ll find plenty of mobile developers excelling in this sector without knowing the basics of Python but your knowledge of this programming language won’t go in vain entirely. It’ll give you a competitive edge over the others.
Primary job requirements:
- Degree in computer science or a related field (Bachelor’s)
- Coding certification / Self-taught skills
- Basic understanding of common programming languages like C++, Java, etc.
- Knowledge of software and web development cycles
- Experience with platforms for hybrid and/or native app development.
Data Analyst
The need of the hour in the recent years has drifted towards acquiring and analyzing data. From tech to retail and healthcare, almost every industry is employing specialists to make sense out of the accumulated data and thus make smarter decisions. In the shoes of a data analyst, you’ll be required to present insights and identify patterns from the data provided to you.
One of the key libraries of Python, primarily designed for data analysis, is Pandas. It provides the ease of performing functions similar to the ones in Excel like basic filtering, aggregation, etc. Better at handling huge amounts of data, Pandas can also automate the manual tasks of Excel. Moreover, having the liberty of being an independent platform, Python is a programming language which can be modified to suit new data set formats.
Primary job requirements:
- Degree in statistics, maths, business or some related field
- Experience of working with both query languages like Hive, SQL and statistical languages like Python, R, etc.
- In-depth understanding of data mining and techniques of modelling
- Basic knowledge of specific tools for report creation like Tableau and SAS.
QA Engineer
To ensure that the final product that reaches the end-user is bug-free, QA engineers employ a variety of testing practices, both automated and manual. From testing every stage of the customer journey to uncovering errors and writing bug reports, this role does not specifically requires you to code. QA engineers, however, are known to perform automation and white-box testing which does require the know-hows of programming. Writing tests in Python will increase efficiency levels and your ability to collaborate with the team, helping them understand your tests better. Additionally, where automatic testing comes into play, Python offers numerous frameworks like Robot, PyUnit, Behave and pytest.
Primary job requirements:
- Degree in engineering, computer science, or some related field.
- Experience of using a variety of testing techniques like test-driven development, UI, etc.
- Primary knowledge of bug tracking software
- In-depth understanding of software QA tools and methodologies.
Whether you’re new to programming or are looking forward to acquiring a senior role as a developer, Python has something in store for everybody. Adding this programming knowledge to your set of tools will make you versatile and bring out the best in you. Now that you have a basket full of reasons to learn Python, stop waiting and start working. On your marks?