Prompt Engineering and Other Bullshit Jobs in Tech

In the tech industry, we love our buzzwords. "Prompt engineering" is the latest buzzword, a shiny new term for a role that shouldn’t and probably doesn’t exist. As usual, the internet and tech companies have latched onto this buzzword and are now creating entire "prompt engineering" teams.

I'm calling BS. Sure, there's a skill to getting chatbots to spit out what you want, but it's not that hard to do, nor does it deserve its own “role” in a company. It's more like knowing how to sweet-talk or clearly define what you want.

The Bullshit Job Phenomenon in Tech

Bullshit jobs are not a new phenomenon in tech. Long before "prompt engineer" became a thing, the tech world was already a breeding ground for pointless positions.

The Compliance Officer Who Clicks "Approve": In the wake of scandals and regulations, companies hired hordes of compliance officers. Many of them spent their days rubber-stamping documents, ensuring the illusion of oversight rather than actual scrutiny.

The "Innovation Strategist" Who Never Innovates: With titles like "Chief Innovation Officer" or "VP of Disruption," these folks were paid handsomely to brainstorm ideas that rarely see the light of day. Their real job? To make the company look forward-thinking.

The "Customer Experience Manager" Who Doesn't Talk to Customers: Tasked with improving the customer experience, these employees often have little contact with actual customers. Instead, they focused on internal metrics and reports, creating the illusion of progress without actually making a difference.

In David Graeber's book Bullshit Jobs, he describes the phenomenon of pointless jobs that exist only to make companies or individuals appear busy and important. Think of all those endless meetings that could've been an email. He argues that these jobs are not only useless but also soul-crushing for the people who hold them.

The rise of "prompt engineering" seems to fit Graeber's definition of a bullshit job perfectly. It's a job that exists solely because of the hype surrounding AI, not because there's any real need for it. It exists because it sounds cutting-edge and cool, not because it solves real problems.

What "Prompt Engineers" Actually Do (or Don't Do)

So, you're probably wondering, what do these so-called "prompt engineers" actually do all day? Well, the truth is, it's not as glamorous as it sounds. The reality is that much of what's touted as "prompt engineering" is just the same old stuff dressed up in fancy new tech jargon.

The fundamental skills remain the same. If you were a marketer before, you still need marketing expertise to craft effective prompts for AI. If you were a coder, you still need coding knowledge to guide the AI in generating functional code. AI is a tool, not a replacement for domain knowledge.

It boils down to crafting clear and specific instructions for AI models. Think of it like giving directions to a particularly literal-minded friend. You need to be explicit, avoid ambiguity, and anticipate potential misunderstandings. It's less about engineering and more about effective communication.

Of course, there are some nuances involved. Prompt engineers might experiment with different phrasing, iterate on instructions, and fine-tune parameters to optimize the AI's output. But let's be honest, it's not exactly rocket science. If you can write a clear email or follow a recipe, you've got the basic skills down.

You can confidently dismiss the "prompt engineer" fad. Prompting LLMs or AI is not a job; it's a skill, and a basic one at that. It certainly won't be a key differentiator in the job market.

Domain Expertise vs. Prompt Engineering: What Employers Really Want?

Let's cut through the BS. The real value in today's AI-driven world isn't in "prompt engineering" – it's in good old-fashioned domain expertise. AI is a tool, and like any tool, it's only as good as the person wielding it. You can give a monkey a paintbrush, but it won't create a masterpiece - actually never mind, that would probably sell for millions. Similarly, you can give someone with zero marketing experience the ability to prompt an AI, but they won't generate a winning campaign.

The hype around "prompt engineering" might be driven by the same factors that create bullshit jobs. It's a shiny new title that creates an illusion of specialized knowledge and importance, masking the reality that the core tasks remain unchanged. Companies might be tempted to hire "prompt engineers" to project an image of being at the forefront of AI innovation, even if the role itself adds little genuine value.

Employers ultimately care about results. They might think they need people with AI prompting skills, but what they really need is someone who can deliver. And delivering results requires experience, expertise, and intelligence. AI can assist in the process, but it can't replace the human element that drives success.

The future of work isn't about becoming a "prompt engineer." It's about becoming an expert in your field and learning how to leverage AI to enhance your skills and productivity. AI can automate mundane tasks, generate ideas, and provide insights, but it can't replace the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills that come with true expertise.

The Future of Work in the Age of AI

The future belongs to those who can adapt and evolve, not those who chase fleeting trends. Instead, invest in yourself and your skills. Focus on building your knowledge in your chosen field. The real winners in the age of AI will be those who combine their domain expertise, with their unique set of skills and experience and use AI as a tool to enhance these.

"Prompt engineering" is largely a myth. Don't be fooled by the hype. Focus on what you're good at, and let the AI tools help you where they actually can. The essence of meaningful work lies in its ability to create value, solve problems, and contribute to the world. AI can be a powerful ally in this endeavor, but it's the human element - our knowledge, creativity, and passion - that will ultimately define the future of work.

About me

I'm Mihai Farcas, a software engineer with a few years of experience under my belt. I'm passionate about writing code and love sharing knowledge with fellow developers.

My YouTube channel, "Let's Talk Dev," is where I break down complex concepts, share my experiences (both the good and the face-palm moments).

Connect with me:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@letstalkdev
GitHub: https://github.com/mihailtd
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihai-farcas-ltd/