As someone who’s been working in machine learning for 8 years, primarily in defense firms, I’ve been wondering if I’m missing out by not keeping up with the latest advancements in large language models (LLMs). My current focus is on real-time perception on edge devices, which doesn’t really overlap with the buzz around Gemini, LLM, RLHF, or Llama. But I’m planning to transition to more techy firms, like FAANG or unicorns, for better career prospects and a significant salary increase.
The question is, am I putting myself at a disadvantage by not following the latest trends? I got my first ML job in 2016, which was great timing, but this economy is tough. To stay competitive, I need to know how to position myself in this saturated market.
One thing is clear: the AI job market is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to stay adaptable. While it’s not necessary to be an expert in every new development, having a general understanding of the landscape can be beneficial. Perhaps it’s time for me to brush up on my knowledge and explore how LLMs can be applied to my current work or future projects.
So, how can I better angle myself in this competitive market? Should I focus on developing specific skills or building a personal brand? Any advice would be appreciated.