There's plenty of tutorials on YouTube about how to do the different nipping, sanding, painting, and paneling lining techniques, but I think one things that people overlook is the importance of organization.
Often new modelers look at the sheer number of sprues and get overwhelmed at the thought of putting all that together. When I first open a box, I like to go through all the sprues and arrange them alphabetically so I can find them quickly.
What makes the whole process easier and more efficient for me is making sure I'm very well organized. Make a nice workspace where you won't have to move things around too much after you start, in case you need to take a break or if you plan on doing it over a long period of time.
I swear to Zoid Eve, this style of plastic sectioned storage box has been by far the most useful "tool" for me aside from my nippers. You can move the dividers around however you please. I keep q-tips, toothpicks, larger tools all in their own sections. It's great for setting loose parts in until you need them (like the polycaps), and for storing alternate weapons and armor bits. When I'm doing a build, I set the smallest sprues in it so I can find them easily. I place my paint bottles in it to keep them from accidentally getting knocked over, or contain the mess if they do. Heck, I even use it as a drying rack when painting or panel lining.