One thing not mentioned is the chemistry part. It's kind of a dating game in a sense that you have to like something about the mentor, and the mentor has to take an interest in you somehow. E.g. perhaps you remind him/her when he/she was at your age, etc. It has to be a 2-way street. You can ask someone all the Q's you want but only a mentor will be emotionally invested in your success and <i>want</i> to groom you.<p>I have a few mentors, I find it an incredible experience that people miss out on if they aren't already. Finding mentors, is difficult. I've found mine by luck. But you can always optimize your odds by hanging out where people you think you would like to be your mentor hang out.