Python Career Track – what should I focus on?

I’m planning my learning & career path around Python for 2026, and I’d love some input from those already in the industry or following trends closely.

A few things I’m trying to figure out:

1. Which Python roles will be most in demand in 2026? Backend / API development? Data engineering? AI/ML engineering? DevOps / cloud automation? Something else?
2. What emerging technologies or frameworks should I prioritize? FastAPI over Django? LangChain / LLM tools? Polars instead of pandas? Async patterns? Rust-Python interop?
3. What’s the “entry‑level” bar likely to look like in 2026? Still CRUD apps + basic DS&A? Or will it require cloud certs, MLOps basics, or portfolio projects with real‑world data?

If you were starting fresh today and aiming for a solid Python career in 2026, what would you learn first – and what would you skip?

I have already learnt Python Basics + OOP. Now I am confused to choose the Track.

Thanks in advance for any insights