Originally Posted by
Often1
Not the case at all. DL often throws in status for X people at varying levels, to be designated by the corporate contractor as part of deals as a sweetener. If OP is on a large enough contract and the employer has some of those goodies lying around, he could easily be granted any available status.
Besides that, the answer is no status until the actual segments have been flown.
True, although the OP could get a few minor benefits of status and get to DL status faster with a DL AmEx, especially the Reserve card.