Dear Jack,
i am happy to know that you are beginning to learn Chinese.Now i would like to give you some advices and suggestions here.Some experts think that speaking Chinese with standard Chinese teachers will help you master oral Chinese quickly.Also you should write and learn Chinese in books often.As a student myself, i believe that you should hire a Chinese teacher in your spare time because they help you make progress of Chinese at ease.Moreover, please often listen Chinese music and watch Chinese TV series and films, which will do you good in the long-run.
Yours,
Li Ping