You certainly can, and that's what most do, but...that's not what they're getting a Ph.D. for. If you ask the people getting a Ph.D. why they're doing it, far

You certainly can, and that's what most do, but...that's not what they're getting a Ph.D. for. If you ask the people getting a Ph.D. why they're doing it, far more imagine themselves becoming a researcher and/or professor, than will be able to. It's kind of like student spending huge numbers of hours playing basketball or football in college, when they have no prospect of making it as a pro. If that's what they want to do, fine, I'm sure the lessons about hard work and teamwork and practice and executing to a plan are all useful. But, if far more of them think they are going to go pro, than actually will, then it's not ok. The current Ph.D. system is not ok.