How Can I Level Up My Skills in Software Development?

What you're doing matters more than degrees at this stage. I suggest you start reading other people's code, maybe even pick an open-source project to analyze. This will help you understand how to structure and maintain software over time – an essential skill that many overlook. Also, make sure to think about testing your code and addressing potential failure cases, as this can set you apart from hobbyists!

You’re already doing many things right! Instead of just picking up more programming languages, try focusing on software development fundamentals. Think about learning Git, software design patterns, and how to organize projects so they’re maintainable. Since you're already dealing with data, getting comfortable with APIs and how different systems interact will be significant as well.

It sounds like you're in a solid position! With your knowledge in Python and SQL, consider learning how to create production-ready software. Diving into a backend web framework like FastAPI or Django could be incredibly beneficial. Also, familiarize yourself with essential concepts like REST APIs, Git for version control, and basics of deployment with Docker. Doing this will really help you transition into a more formal software engineering role.