[aleph_minus_one]

> but the experience of having to problem solve in uncharted territory is a great [...] skill to have.

While I do love to solve such problems, in many business areas there are hardly any hard problems to solve as part of your job: either because they don't exist, or because hardly any boss would be willing to let you work focusedly for years to potentially solve one the hard problems that do exist (which is what a PhD in mathematics or physics is about).

[jebarker]

That's true. I am fortunate to work in an applied research team that exists to take on unsolved problems.

Although I'd argue that just having the ability to press on in the face of challenges is a closely related and widely useful skill.