Should You Specialize in LLM Development? Probably Not
The community of developers with expertise in large language models (LLMs) is not expanding as rapidly as the ecosystem encompassing them.
Does this imply that it is the opportune moment for programming students to focus on LLM development? Should they consider registering for any of the newly emerged LLM courses in the past few months?
No, the majority of individuals would likely answer in the negative. Although LLM development skills could potentially benefit certain programming professions, relying solely on LLM expertise for future prospects would not be recommended. Let me explain the reasons behind this statement.
Rise In LLM Development Demand
According to a recent article by IT Pro Today, the rising enthusiasm for expansive language models, such as ChatGPT, has resulted in a greater need for developers proficient in large language model abilities.
This is not surprising. It cannot be denied that generative AI is currently the biggest game-changer in the technology industry. It is logical for companies to look for software developers who can assist them in utilizing LLMs to create personalized generative AI tools that can effectively address specific business problems, such as customer interaction or customized software development.
It is not surprising that numerous classes and certification programs focused on LLMs have popped up recently. Providers like edX are offering LLM courses online. You have the option to enroll in an LLM bootcamp that guarantees to teach programmers the basics of LLM programming within a few weeks. Additionally, professional certificates for LLMs are now accessible.
Why You Shouldn't Become An LLM Developer
With the evident need for developers who possess LLM abilities in various organizations, coupled with the growing accessibility of educational materials and courses that impart such skills, one might conclude that the present moment is ideal for individuals contemplating a career in development to establish themselves as LLM specialists.
I would advise them against doing that, for two specific reasons.
The initial and perhaps more apparent aspect is that LLMs might be significant in the present, but it's unlikely that they will stay in the limelight as the most cutting-edge technology for an extended period. Technological trends have a tendency to come and go, and although the importance of LLMs and generative AI cannot be denied, it is possible that they will eventually be seen merely as a passing fad. It's certain that there will always be a certain level of fascination with them, but they won't remain a top-tier skill indefinitely.
Moreover, I have doubts about numerous companies engaging in extensive recruitment of LLM specialists. My intuition tells me that the demand for LLM development will mostly be fulfilled by LLM-as-a-service providers. Azure, for instance, is currently making significant investments in this field with its OpenAI Service. This service allows developers to utilize pre-built LLM models to develop personalized generative AI applications.
These platforms handle the cumbersome tasks required to build and launch LLMs. They enable the utilization of LLMs without the necessity of creating or teaching them.
This implies that developers who have the unique abilities required to design and implement LLMs are not truly in high demand.
Indeed, it is certain that there will be certain establishments that have the desire to create their own LLMs starting from scratch. These organizations may possess intricate LLM scenarios that cannot be tackled by general solutions like Azure OpenAI Service, for instance. Alternatively, they might seek to employ distinct collections of training information which are not accessible to the public. Such companies will need to recruit LLM developers.
However, that scenario is not the norm. I believe most businesses will be completely satisfied with utilizing LLMs as a handled service. They may need engineers with fundamental LLM abilities to assist in utilizing these services, but they won't need to pay exorbitant salaries to programmers for developing LLMs from the ground up.
Unique Skills Of LLM In Job Market
This sets LLM development apart from other prominent IT trends, like the move towards cloud computing. Proficiency in cloud computing is a crucial advantage for many developers and IT operations engineers nowadays since almost all businesses require the use of the cloud, and only a small number can delegate their cloud development and management requirements to external providers.
LLM progress varies from cybersecurity, another field that faces a scarcity of individuals with suitable expertise. Every organization with IT resources necessitates cybersecurity measures, and while some can delegate their cybersecurity obligations to managed security service providers, there are adequate businesses seeking in-house cybersecurity teams, making it a lucrative career option.
I'm not implying that acquiring LLM development skills holds no value or that nobody should focus on LLM development. LLM proficiency can certainly enhance your resume, given that you possess solid capabilities in the fundamental aspects of software engineering that employers seek in the long run. Moreover, if you have a genuine passion for LLMs, feel free to pursue LLM courses without hesitation.
However, don't rush into following the trend of pursuing LLM development merely because you believe it guarantees a well-paid and secure software engineering position. Seek advice from ChatGPT, as it reveals otherwise.
