After the licence, 10 months spent with the compulsory duty in the military. Quite some glider towing for free in the few days off. After that, 4 months spent "networking" the GA sector in LIN, which ended up in a Piaggio Avanti right seat
And, well, another three years to get to sit on a liner.
Just work your way up, step by step: things will happen, if you help them!