Start with your ratings first. Do some flight instructing and charter work. Then get the job with the regional. Your length of stay will depend on the the time it will take to move to the left seat. Then you should accumulate at least 1,000 PIC on the regional before moving on. Who know with your degree, you may persue a Masters Degree after you have settled into your regional job, or start a business that can be run on your days off. Leave your options open.

Most important of all... is follow your dreams... don't give up even when you ask yourself what the hell was I thinkg of... stick with it

Happy flying.