Congratulations! (or congraduations?) Don't forget that corporations usually fly out candidates on full fare economy tickets-- this could be your fast track to elite status! When you get your travel information and find out what airline you'll be flying on, give them a call and ask for an "elite challenge". Some airlines will offer you a deal: fly x number of high fare class flights in x number of months and you'll qualify for elite status. I've heard of some airlines offering elite status with just 1 or 2 high fare flights from certain markets.

And then once you have elite status, you can qualify for instant free upgrades on any subsequent full fare economy tickets on some airlines, and a chance to upgrade (for free) discount fares (NW does this).