[wnight]

Learn quickly. Don't waste your time on 'blub' twice. If you can't live-code in it it's not worth using, let alone making a student use.

Legitimize yourself enough to cover for anything. Take the pressure off. Perhaps find friendly independent consultants at local gatherings and get assistant jobs. A few current references from active professionals in your field is worth more than 3+ year old history anyways. Just remember to follow instructions accurately and you'll be a great assistant at almost anything.

A strong showing now is what matters. Be what you are now. Always be working to improve anyways and don't worry about rebuilding things like they were.