But when you apply to the cadet programmes (BA cadet, Virgin, Lufthansa, KLM etc) don`t you usually start off as an SO because all the seniors at the airlines pick the types they want? And I heard from someone its the long hauls that are usually left behind
EDIT- here is something for you to read to kind of see the difference between the US and Europe,
Second Officer? Wich Airlines Have Them? — Civil Aviation Forum | !!!!!!!!!!!!!!