One of the very best things I did as a portfolio student was attend the One Club's student portfolio review sessions. As a first year student, I had Mike Shine, Bob Barrie, Sally Hogshead and a bunch of other marquee names look at my work. I wasn't looking for a job (at least not that year). I just wanted to hone my book. And in a single afternoon, I had feedback from about 30 different top tier professionals.
You hear one thing, you can dismiss it. You hear it twice, still better to trust your gut. But to get specific feedback about the work in your book, and have it repeated over and over by the people who drive this industry does wonders for the bubble you might be creating your book in. It definitely worked for me.
So put Monday, May 9 on your calendars. Even if you're not in New York (I was eight hours away in Richmond), it's worth the road trip. It won't be cheap. But it should be worth it. Keep an eye out for admission prices and registration here.
