It is impossible to have a strategy or a plan within an industy that is so unpredictable. The most important and wise thing to do at your stage is to make sure while you are pursueing your dream to become a pilot, that you have a back up career. Make it something that is not cyclical with the economy. Also, try to avoid debt while you are in training. CFI and regioanl FO pay will be tough to survive on if you have a mountain of debt.
Also determine what is important to you because you will have to make some tough decisions about sacrificing QOL for a job. Some pilots are willing to do it, and others are not. Of course you can get to the shiny jets faster if you make bigger sacrifices but it is not always the best route to go. There is nothing wrong with holding out at a CFI job to get more hours to go to the regional of your choice. Just plan on instructing up to about 1500 to 2000 hours but look for other options if you feel ready to move on.
Keep in touch with as many pilots as you can. You never know when that will help you in the end. It has proven true many times over for me. Also, be professional to all pilots you meet because you never know when that person will be on your interview board, your captain for a 5 day trip, or even worse, the check airman at your first job. Even your peers at your flight school. Aviation is a small community and don't burn bridges.
Last edited by kersplatt; 08-10-2008 at 01:14 PM.