I learned a lot of stuff during my PhD. No one trained me to do anything, though. I was taught a few things in classes and otherwise learned via feedback and interactions of various kinds. Mostly, I learned on my own, by doing things.

There was no training.

You?

It needn't be this way. I am not blaming anyone for this. The system stinks. And it needn't. There are academics who do rigorous research on pedagogy, project management etc. Everything can be taught, coached, advised on, or otherwise facilitated and supported.

You will not find me saying things like, "A PhD trains you to...." because it might, in your particular case, but it very well might do nothing of the sort.

(Hoping no one now goes and finds me tweeting this phrase! )

Why do we even have PhD programs again?