However, it is not a good time right now. You have to accumulate useful materials for your application.
1.finish your paper as soon as possilbe.
2. Pass your proposal
3. Try to go to scientific meeting and begin to talk to other people. Network is important for your gc.
4. try to get along with your boss. Recommendation is the most important issue in gc. Your boss can help you to get several recommendtion letters, especially from someone that you have never met.
5. Pay attention to other's case and try to get advice from them.
6.Begin to look for a good lawyer, especially from friends' recommendation. My lawyer is good so far. but I can't recommend any until my case has been finished. It is hard to be sure about his quality now. And I don't want to mislead others.
Good luck.