Doing my training with an actual pro helped shorten the time it would have taken for me on my own.
Learning hands-on also played an important role since I was able to try things out immediately on the DAW and to take action rather than just read up on something and have no real experience.
The combination of having a mentor to correct and guide me with the hands-on approach helped me develop and understand what it is like to work in a real music industry environment.