<p>Does it really make that much sense to obtain a phd in, say, chemical engineering?
What would be the perks of doing so?</p>
<p>Some R&D jobs require a PhD. I’m not familiar with ChemE enough to say which jobs these are, but there are probably some out there. The other obvious reason is if you want to become a faculty member.</p>
<p>The perk (note singular) of a PhD is that you have access to new jobs you wouldn’t otherwise. There is a huge drawback though in that you will be disqualified from many BS-level jobs because you will be seen as over-educated and having ulterior motives if you tried to apply for any.</p>
<p>Another perk is that you get to study things you find interesting, usually for free. You won’t make a lot of money, but you’ll probably not go into any debt getting a PhD.</p>
<p>And unless you really want one, you won’t be able to just go get one. It’s got to come from deep down.</p>