Originally Posted by BoilerUP

Yes, I almost certainly would not have been hired when I was without the internship.

That said, there have been a number of 91/135 pilots hired by my company without that same work history.

I would wholeheartedly agree that if major 121 is the objective, working for a regional is the "best" way to get there...which is exactly why I said "your end goal is something to consider". However, if that isn't one's objective but life ultimately leads them back toward 121 down the road...having previous 121 experience certainly helps a bizav pilot's competitiveness against a large number of current 121 pilots. Comparing two bizav pilots who are similarly qualified, the one with previous 121 experience is likely to have an edge on one that does not.

Hope you have been well, wrx!