I know a couple of captains at Alaska Airlines. They told me about a guy who has no college and the majority of his flight time was in a 208. If I remember correctly the guy had around 1000 hours in a C310 and close to 3000 in a 208. I do not remember what year this guy got hired; but, it was not to long ago.(within the last 10 yrs) My buddies said that the only reason he got hired; because, he was an Eskimo from the bush. Being a minority in any business will put you far ahead from your competition.