[52-6F-62]

I would add that ability to meet or acquire a willing mentor is another major hurdle, even if you do know you'd be better off with one.

[joewee]

Isn’t meetup a good source for this? Or industry/society events. ACM/usenix/2600.

[Davertron]

Depends on your area. I live in a small town and there just aren't that many people you can meet. Maybe there's an online mentoring site to connect people out there?

[52-6F-62]

Definitely. They’re just not accessible to everyone.