A Guide to the Best Python Bootcamps & Why You Need Them!

Technology is everywhere, from alarms waking us up, to GPS systems navigating us, to websites keeping our businesses afloat, to security systems keeping us safe. It’s truly fascinating. 

The best part? Companies need skilled programmers to build it all, and they want them fast. If you’d like to get in on the game, we’ve put together a detailed guide on Python bootcamps, what they offer, and the reasons you should pursue them.

Boost your programming skills with some of these coding bootcamps, and start gaining some real-life programming experience. Bootcamp students who take advantage of this online learning find themselves a step ahead when applying for jobs in the tech industry.

What is Python and Who is it For?

Python is a computer programming language. Simply put, it is used to write algorithms that a computer then reads before presenting the respective output. 

Out of 700 programming languages in the world, Python is one of the most sought-after. It’s not only simple to write, but the code is also incredibly versatile. From web development, to APIs, to data analytics and more — it works for everything.

Now, the main question is: who can learn it?

Honestly, anyone!

If you’re a beginner at coding, Python is a great starting point. It’s easy to work with, you can use it in several domains and it offers a wide range of opportunities. 

In addition, Python has proved to be a powerful tool for machine learning and data analytics. So, if you’re interested in data science, this language has all the answers. 

Python is one of the most marketable programming languages, and can act as a catalyst for many other basic programming languages.

And if you get stuck at any point, don’t worry. Python has tons of resources online including libraries of code and detailed tutorials.

Is a Python Bootcamp Worth It?

In short, yes. A Python boot camp condenses a programming degree into a short, more practical curriculum. It helps accelerate your career as a programmer which is why it is the most effective way of learning the language.

How to Choose the Perfect Python Bootcamp?

Now that you know what Python is and why it’s so important in the data field, it’s time to consider which bootcamp to choose. Before you run an online search and get overwhelmed by the sheer amount of options, here are several factors that’ll help you select the right one.

Assess Your Coding Skills

First, analyze where you stand. Do you have prior experience working in coding or are you starting from scratch?

To master programming, you don’t necessarily need to pursue Software Engineering or IoT in college. You can start by opening up YouTube, scouring through introductory tutorials on Python, and spending time getting familiar with this language.

At the same time going from random video to video will give you a fragmented experience. On the other side, a bootcamp will give you a more consistent learning experience.

Since Python development involves extensive use of data, bug fixes, and analysis of numbers, coders are expected to have great numerical and analytical reasoning.

Pick a Specific Discipline

Once you have your bases covered, it’s time to narrow down the bootcamps according to your specific interests. 

See, Python is a general-purpose language which means it is used in a variety of applications. You’ll find bootcamps that teach you how to develop websites and software, while others focus on machine learning and data visualization.

Make sure to look at the curriculum, search the keywords that sound foreign to you, and start ticking off the courses that meet your interest. Don’t be shy about asking for advice. There’s a huge community of supporters available for Python.

Note the Duration of the Study 

When you’ve selected the bootcamps, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty. 

As per Course Report, these power-through courses last 14 weeks on average. The duration depends upon the pace you choose as well as the depth of content they teach.

Here, you have the freedom to pick the pace that best fits your schedule. You could try out pre-recorded courses to control when, where, and how you study. If you enjoy learning live but have other obligations, try part-time or virtual bootcamps. If you’re determined on going all in, full-time is your best choice.

Of course, the more content the bootcamp covers, the better. It’ll prepare you for future interviews, get your portfolio ready for faster job placement, and help you gain a deeper perspective on Python.

Choose a Format

Besides pace, you also have options in how you’d like to be taught. There are Python bootcamps that offer in-person classes, those that provide virtual classes, and others that have a hybrid system (a combination of both: offline and distance learning).

One isn’t better than the other, it’s just a matter of what best suits your learning style. Make sure to factor that in before you settle on a format.

Consider the Price Tag

Value comes at a cost. Depending upon the discipline, format, and detail, a Python bootcamp can cost around $13,600 on average. 

You can find free courses but won’t likely prepare you for the real world, practically. You’ll have to build projects on your own, apply on job boards without references, and troubleshoot without much help. 

Some courses are running for up to $20,000. Remember, however, an entry-level Python programmer can expect to have an annual income of $92,500 which is an excellent return on investment.

Check Out the Career Support Services

Speaking of return on investment, make sure to take time out to review the career support services offered by each Python bootcamp. 

Ideally, you will recevice one-on-one support to build a portfolio, write a resumè, prepare for interviews, update your LinkedIn, and apply on job boards. 

Most bootcamps, especially full-time in-person ones, do offer networking opportunities. This allows entry-level programmers to interact with seniors, go on career fairs, and face the real world.

Don’t forget to note down how long such services will be accessible to you. If they aren’t available, ask an advisor or email the admissions manager. 

How to Jumpstart Your Career After Learning Python?

You’ve learned the intricacies of Python, completed the bootcamp, and built a portfolio. It’s finally time to get your feet wet and look for a job. Here are tried and tested ways you can score great clients:

• Start networking. Pitch your tools and skills to potential clients, make friends in the field, and show interest.
• Don’t shy away from cold-pitching. Practice a POS system for a local restaurant, design an interactive game for a YouTuber, anything!
• Teach other aspiring programmers. You could start a blog, be creative, and lead clients toward you.
• Your PC is your new best friend. Look up jobs on freelance marketplaces like Upwork, Toptal, and Indeed, for work-from-home offers.
• Always invest in your skills. Once you have the basics down, it’s time to advance up the ladder and enjoy the advancements in technology.

Reviewing Five of the Best Python Bootcamps 

Programming in Python: A Hands-On Introduction by Coursera 

Perfect for absolute beginners at coding, this 40-hour boot camp on Python checks off all the necessary boxes. Not only does the curriculum cover easy tasks such as conditional branching and iteration, but it also teaches object-oriented design, automation of programs, and even artificial intelligence! 

Because programming languages like Python primarily help minimize the drudgery of menial tasks, students are learn to create helpful scripts that accelerate jobs like file updates. 

That’s not all — the course opens access to PyGame Library, which makes designing games and creating animated graphics a breeze!

The best part is students can enroll in one or all chapters and enjoy graded assignments, peer feedback, and building projects for their portfolios. In the end, they receive a certificate of completion that is recognized all over the globe.

Pros

• Great for beginners aspiring to learn a broad perspective of Python 
• This course is certified 
• It’s available for free and is eligible for Financial Aid as well

Cons 

•  In-person classes aren’t available

Python and Statistics for Financial Analysis by Coursera 

Developed for a specific niche of students, this bootcamp on Python is perfect for students with a background in finance. Because there is a lot of data involved in the stock, retail, and wholesale industries, the use of Python is extensive. 

Python, for example, can help build data analysis software and speed up boring tasks. Students enrolled in this course master data visualization, data processing, converting financial data statistically, and so much more!

To keep students sharp, quizzes are given, and feedback is provided. Deadlines are flexible and self-paced, so students can enjoy learning rather than get too stressed out.

Pros

• Provides access to Jupyter Notebook for seamless coding without the need for extra installations 
• Data visualization is a substantial focus, perfect for career-changing data analysts 
• Certified course

Cons 

• Requires intermediate knowledge of financial statistics

Python for Cybersecurity Specialization by Coursera 

For those looking to branch up in cybersecurity, this course is perfect. It takes students that have previously handled cyber attackers and teaches them to automate tasks across the cyberattack lifecycle. 

It’s an application-heavy course focusing more on the practical aspects of Python than its theory. This is why the prerequisites state experience in cybersecurity is a must. 

The schedule can be worked around to meet the students’ routines, and deadlines are set according to each student’s pace. For practice, the students have to create hypothetical Python programs for real cybercrime cases. Sounds fun, doesn’t it? 

For the cherry on top, financial aid is available, so anyone can pursue the course — given they meet the criteria.

Pros

• Learn to automate attack and defend tasks 
• A practical approach to learning Python, less theory involved 
• Course is certified

Cons

• Requires 1 to 5 years of experience in cybersecurity and basic knowledge of Python

IBM AI Enterprise Workflow Specialization by Coursera 

A course with some extra frills of advancement, IBM partnered up to bring students a special boot camp on AI and its help in the media industry. 

This course is specifically tailored to building Python projects for large enterprises, bringing AI solutions to the production industry, and speeding up tasks. 

Data Scientists that have a keen interest in how far Python has progressed will enjoy the curriculum and its assignments using AI tools with the help of IBM Cloud tools and Python’s incredible versatility.

Contrary to other courses on Python, data scientists that enroll aren’t just certified for this course — they are also made ready to take the official IBM Workflow exam and climb up the career ladder within 40 hours of studying.

Pros

• Helps build AI solutions, promotes them to production and implementation 
• Students can access IBM Cloud technologies for guidance 
• Test machine learning programs and bring them to fruition

Cons

• Only for senior data scientists

Python Programmer by DataCamp 

For younger students and career-changers, this course by DataCamp is a comprehensive introduction to Python basics. 

It breaks down the how-tos of tasks such as data manipulation, data processing, and working with APIs for web data. Then, it slowly but steadily moves on toward interactive testing and exposes students to fantastic Python libraries.

Students then learn how to automate manual tasks, analyze large sets of data, and develop websites for their portfolio. 

With 59 hours on the clock, this course is one of the most extensive overviews of Python basics. By the end, the students can confidently apply for jobs and more advanced courses. 

Pros

• Does not need prior coding experience or knowledge 
• The curriculum provides introductory basics of Python in great detail 
• Offers practical assignments and prepares for real-world applications 

Cons

• This course isn’t certified

What’s Next?

It’s a tough and demanding world out there for Python programmers. Make sure to choose a good Python bootcamp, apply the tips above, and develop your technical skills.

There’s no better starting point than today!