I always get myself a Knight, Monk, Thief, Priest and Wizard as soon as possible.
Then when I have got the most essential White and Black magic I change them Oracle and Time Mage, respectively.
And in the beginning of Chapter 2 I get this spear in Igros and change Ramza into a Lancer.

I remember I also once used 3 Ninjas and 2 Summoners early in Chapter 2, it kicked so much ass that it almost broke the game.