Agreed. ML is a particularly hot field right now and there are plenty of ML positions that are locked behind having an advanced degree. That doesn't mean there

Agreed. ML is a particularly hot field right now and there are plenty of ML positions that are locked behind having an advanced degree. That doesn't mean there aren't people with bachelors degrees working in those positions, but in my experience unless you have years of experience or a personal connection it can be very difficult to get your foot in the door. A PhD provides evidence of a candidate's expertise that's difficult to obtain without an expensive interview process that's flooded with unqualified applicants.