How Long Does it Take To Learn Python

How Long Does it Take To Learn Python

Why is Python in Such High Demand? 

There's an inside joke in the Python community that Python is the second-best language for everything. What’s best is subjective, of course, but Python is incredibly flexible. It is the most commonly-used language for data science (R is a close second), and it's also frequently used in a number of other industries.

One reason for its widespread popularity is that it is one of the easier languages to learn and use when working with data. And, fortunately for employers and data scientists alike, it doesn’t require years of long study hours to master.  

How Long Does It Take to Learn Python? 

With the proper time and dedication, you can learn Python in just a few months!  

Like any skill, how quickly you learn Python is ultimately dependent on how much time and effort you put in​. While everyone learns at their own pace, if you commit to 5 hours a week, you can gain the skills you need to start doing basic data analysis projects in just a couple of weeks (and you'd be amazed how far you could get in a year). 

Let’s take a look at some of the things that go into learning Python, including our reasons for studying this language and tips for making the most of your time spent studying. 

1. It Allows You to Automate Tasks 

Python is a versatile programming language, which means there's something in it for everyone. Once you learn Python, you’ll be able to work with massive data sets easily if that's your thing. You'll be able to scrape data from the web and access APIs if that's what you need. You'll be able to use it to power-up your work in Excel if you work regularly with spreadsheet software. And you'll be able to automate all sorts of tasks.

Learning to automate tasks on your own can be incredibly powerful, because your time is valuable! Let the robots send your emails and fetch data from the internet. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, you can even create the next coffee delivery app so you can easily get your caffeine fix every morning.  

(That may take a little bit more work, though.)

More likely, you’ll be able to start finding creative solutions for the people and companies you work for. When you learn Python, you are literally learning a new language that is built on identifying and predicting patterns – and as you find patterns, you’ll be able to communicate those findings in a way that makes a big impact in your professional, industry and world. 

2. You Can Impress Your Boss  

Learning Python is also a great way to impress at work (or get that promotion you’ve been vying for).  

To those who can’t code, the ability to program sometimes seems like a superpower. Programming gives you the ability to leverage your knowledge and multiply your output. With it, you may able get ten times as much work done in the same amount of time. 

As mentioned above, when you learn Python, you’ll be able to gather data quickly and “translate” those numbers to real-world solutions. 

For example, in a business setting, you could add value by doing things like web scraping, sending emails automatically, or even analyzing supply chain production to find missed opportunities for cost savings and/or quality control.  

If your boss has mentioned that understanding data science could help you move toward your career goals, a self-paced course that helps you learn Python online could be the perfect way to balance a career and personal development. 

3. It Creates Exciting New Career Opportunities  

If you're looking for an entirely new career or maybe aren’t feeling fulfilled in your current job position, you've come to the right place.  

Demand for Python programmers, especially in the data science field, has never been higher. Data science is a rewarding field, and it pays exceptionally well. A typical entry-level Data Analyst salary is around $65,432, and Data Scientist salaries can reach well over $100,000 a year. 

These opportunities are sometimes available remotely, so you can work from anywhere for a US company without being tied to a US location. Data science is a relatively new field, and with that freshness comes modern hiring practices. An emphasis on understanding your craft and being able to drive results is slowing beginning to trump the need for a 4 year degree and an office down the hallway.  

We’ve seen many of our alumni find rewarding careers (either in an office or remotely) after completing our Data Science paths. In fact, our courses are structured to help you leave with a leg up on the job hunt. You’ll have experience working with real-world data and a portfolio full of finished data science projects.  

For a lot of human resources offices evaluating your resume, this can be far more important than your degree.