It might not only be an ego incentive, i give interest in training is a noble thing. But then i would never trade off too much work for that reason.
There must be more. If it's money, then don't complain. If it's perceived better leaving options, again don't complain, you are suffering for a better fate.
If it's for the star, then please leave, as it's not worth punishing yourself including us others for that.
Just one thing, in sustaining of what has been said: I would have never considered applying before having gained adequate experience. This in respect of all trainees. Pilots doing that are useless and borderline dangerous.
We can debate the required experience, but at EK it's definitely busted.