stanfordalum
- It sounds like you're conflating getting a PhD with working in academia. There are _many_ jobs in the industry that prefer PhDs, especially in AI/learning. The PhD can be a credibility boot if you're looking at entering a field with many PhDs in industry.
- Many of the applications will ask for a personal statement as well as a research statement. My advice is to go ahead and write these statements and maybe things will become clearer. If you're still unsure, go ahead and submit the applications.
- If you're going to get a PhD, it is better to do it now rather than after a few years working (it's hard to go back to a small paycheck)
- Many schools offer a masters along the way to the PhD, and from what I've seen getting a masters helps a lot with industry work
- If your goal is to maximize lifetime earnings, work experience is more valuable than the extra 3-5 years of school (but the masters is probably still worth it)
Don't feel like you have to figure it all out before you graduate. I was unsure all the way until I secured funding for my research. At that point I decided to pursue the PhD because it was interesting and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It's happened to be good for my career too, but I think it was worthwhile in itself.