Get your PIC time. It is experience for which they are looking. Fly in winter with snow and ice, in summer with weight restrictions ... You'll build up your knowledge base faster than in the right seat at FL340. I've got 500+ in freight dogging and 1000+ in 135 commuter, all in the mtns. The experience could not be replaced. It will also get a you a feeling for the different companies. Judging from many posts there are some folk who do not understand what BAD really means.

What ever you decide to do ... execute to the best of your ability and do not beat yourself up over woulda, coulda, shoulda