That first portfolio review got me my first industry contact as well as a bunch of suggestions to improve my news photography.  I followed up with that director of photography - ultimately calling him monthly.

   We discussed photo tips, photo gear - and, of course, any staff jobs he knew of.  He never knew of any - until he himself got caught in a big downsizing of mid-tier people at his daily; he then learned from former colleagues that they would soon need another shooter!  I immediately applied.
    He kept me up to date on latest industry happenings and tidbits.
    Though that daily never hired me - yet - I ultimately got freelance gigs on top stories for the New York Daily News, then for the New York Post, to add to my portfolio and resume.
    I do still check in occasionally with the one-rank-higher manager at that daily where I got that portfolio review - and my first industry contact.
    But I’d still love a staff job at that first mid-size daily where I got that portfolio review and my first industry contact.