PhD, worth it?
Do you guys think it's beneficial to get a PhD? In terms of long run career growth and job satisfaction. Will I be a better data scientist from the experience? Or can I learn most things on the job? Is it worth it if you don't go to top 10 school? Also I'm mid 20s, is it too late?
Do you like to do research and can imagine spending 5-7 years doing it? That's the only question to ask. If the answer to that is not a resounding yes, then the answer is no, regardless of any of your other questions.
No better experience than experience.
Masters in statistics with a lean to computing is optimal for career growth. PhD is optimal for long term job satisfaction and performance. You can learn anything on the job, but this will be very hard. PhD is worth it anywhere if a PhD is worth it at all to you (and if you don't plan to work in academia). Never too late, but heard top 10 have age discrimination in some departments.
You're mid 20's? Damn, you're waaay too late! (but seriously, you're not. That's a decade younger than my age when I started my phd) A phd gives you an opportunity to gain scientific expertise in your field of choice. Work rarely allows that. Careerwise, it wont pay if you stay an engineer. But a phd opens opportunities you won't have otherwise. In terms of total income during career, that still might not be worth it, but in terms of challenges and satisfaction it can put you on a very different path. So, it's basically a choice between engineering or science (a mix is also possible). Looking at a phd through the TC lens is the wrong view, imo.
Mid 20s and too late 🤣🤣 kids these days
A side effect of PhD was that I was able to get my GC in 6months just a few years ago, while it's several decades for those from my country. May not be applicable to you though
Do it because you want to do it, not because you will have better career or money. It doesn't guarantee either