Yes always much better to have a degree
Not too many options after CPL except flight instruction or flying the bush
EK EY and QR will not hire you until you have time on aircraft above 20t or significant turbo prop time
Think long and hard before choosing this as a career , it's a long road ahead . When you are struggling to earn money your friends in other professions will be earning very good salaries as bankers and lawyers
There might appear to be some short cuts , paying to fly , these are scams.
Good luck to you