Perhaps one should add that the "apprenticeship" model would represent the ideal. If all goes well, it should then bloom into full research partnership towards

Perhaps one should add that the "apprenticeship" model would represent the ideal. If all goes well, it should then bloom into full research partnership towards the end and after. But again, that's the ideal. As others have said already, your field matters a lot. If you try to publish in a "softer" field, say history or economics, politics and outer markers count for a lot. If you are in mathematics, there should be zero problem if you are good. Alternatively, if you are in a field where success can be measured concretely, say in engineering, you should also have less difficulties. Good luck, whether you go for PhD or not!