It is sad but true that in my experience of PPL, IMCR and IR the theory around navigation and flight planning is of absolutely no value to practical flying of light aircraft in either VFR or IFR conditions.
So it's vital to for newly qualified pilots to find a mentor or two, either informally through clubs and the like or formally through the AOPA scheme.
I'm more grateful than I can say for having had such help from members of the old European flyers group at Blackbushe.