What would be a great career plan from someone perusing a career in aviation?

First, you need to investigate the branch of aviation that you wants, FAR 135 or 121. But depend, you have an other opportunity too , in the Navy, Air Force or Army Aviation. You decide.

It's great that you took the first step and decided on a flying career. Next you have to decide what type of flying do you want to, military, commercial or general aviation. Next, do you want fixed wing airplanes, helicopters, hot air balloons, gliders, etc, etc.
Military, implies that you will join the armed forces and serve for a certain amount of years. Apply to the military academies, or go to your local community collage and serve thru an ROTC program. You have a better chance at being a pilot thru the academies than ROTC. Remember that a lot of the military is going toward drones and pilotless aircraft, and the Air Force is really more into space stuff. The competition is tuff, and if you wash out, you will be enlisted with no specialty, so they can put you where they want you. Having said that, the Army can't seem to get enough helicopter pilots.
Commercial, you will find that half the pilots came up thru the civilian life and the other are x-military. You will be flying the big aircraft and dealing with those particular challenges and life style.
General aviation is a huge field, and you will find that most of those pilots are also tasked with some of the business aspect of managing the aircraft. Some business knowledge will prove helpful in the long term.
As a civilian, you can start taking flying lessons at your local airport and get your private pilot's license at the age of 17 with as little as 40 hours of flight time. Keep flying to get various ratings and eventually become a flight instructor. As a flight instructor you can build up flight time. Most reputable companies will not hire you with less than 3000 hours for insurance purposes. As the other response stated, its expensive, but well worth it if this is what you want to do.
I have a friend that went to a bank, took out a $50,000 loan, and made a contract with a flight school. One year later he was a flight instructor, two years later he finally was able to get a job as a copilot with an airline. After about 3 years with the airline, he became a captain of a 747 flying cargo, and is one of the happiest people I know.
There are various ways to pursue your dream, but hard work, planning and perseverance will get you there. Good luck.

having the military on your resume holds a great deal of clout in the civilian world.
You'd need a 4-year degree either from an accredited college or apply for the appropriate military academy to qualify for a flight crew assignment in the services.

Otherwise, start taking lessons at your local municipal airport. Start racking up those flight hours and be prepared to drop some dough.