This is well put and concise. On the mentor note, even if you don't have a formal mentor relationship, most people are open to discussing their roles and respo

This is well put and concise. On the mentor note, even if you don't have a formal mentor relationship, most people are open to discussing their roles and responsibilities. Depending on the firm, even more would be ecstatic to talk about a specific idea or side project to provide their input on marketing/strategy/finance. As long as you come from a place of genuine curiosity and not "tell me exactly what to do for free," almost everybody wants to help you.