The concept of mentoring has found application in virtually every forum of learning. In academics, mentor is often used synonymously with faculty adviser. A fundamental difference between mentoring and advising is that mentoring is a personal as well as professional relationship. An adviser might or might not be a mentor, depending on the quality of the relationship.

A mentoring relationship develops over an extended period, during which a protégé's needs and the nature of the relationship tend to change. A mentor will try to be aware of these changes and vary the degree and type of attention, help, advice, information, and encouragement that he provides. In the broad sense intended here, a mentor is someone who takes a special interest in helping another person develop into a successful professional.

In general, an effective mentoring relationship is characterised by mutual respect, trust, understanding, and empathy. Good mentors are able to share life experiences and wisdom, as well as technical expertise. They are good listeners, good observers, and good problem-solvers. They make an effort to know, accept, and respect the goals and interests of a protégé. In the end, they establish an environment in which the protégé's accomplishment is limited only by the extent of his or her talent.