Since it sounds like you are at a college getting your Aero & Mechanical engineering degree, I would highly suggest that if your college has an aviation program, at least take the private certificate through them. This will help give you a good foundation for training and give you a very structured format.

I only say this because when we did the hiring board at my former regional airline, it was very evident during the interviews/sim rides of those who did not have a structured upbringing with regards to aviation training. Those who just got ratings at an FBO would definately show their "bad habits" or lack of decision making and overall knowledge of aircraft systems. I can not impress upon you enough how much you need to have the overall package to make it in aviation. Airlines hire people who can understand systems, have good situational awareness, program an FMS, and fly. Basic stick and rudder skills are important, but at most airlines anymore, autopilots are on at 1000 ft AGL. I don't care if you are a Chuck Yeager, I care if you can handle the situation when the plane breaks at FL350. Overall knowledge is key.

Get the structured training and learn in my opinion in this order:

1. Aviation college
2. ATP or some other push em through aviation center
3. FBO

Take from this what you will, but I did the FBO thing for my private and instrument certificates. Then I went to college and was I ever behind the curveball compared to my classmates back when I was in school. It's never fun playing catchup.

And to finish this all, it's always a benefit to have gone to an approved aviation college. If you don't believe me, look up some major airline applications, and tell me why they have specific categories to input "associations" for having a degree from certain colleges. For example, CAL - Purdue, UPS - Purdue CEO, and the list goes on and on.