A career in aviation starts when you earn your commercial pilot certificate.  A commercial pilot certification allows you to work for hire and is a qualification necessary for jobs like corporate pilot, certified flight instructor, agricultural pilot, aerial photographer, and cargo pilot.  

The commercial pilot certificate is a stepping stone to the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license.  Working one of these jobs is the best way to earn the hours required for the ATP license and subsequently qualify you for a job as an airline pilot.