Fast forward 10 years, to a flight deck conversation....
F/O 'So, Cap, what's your flying background?'
Capt. 'Well, Billy, i took what's called the 'self improver' route
F/O 'ummmm what's that?'
Capt. Well, I could bore you with the details, but to cut long story short - back in the early days, co-pilots used to earn a salary, not just captains.
F/O Wow! Really? Then what went wrong?
Capt. Cadetships, son, cadetships...