What Is a Mentor? Defining Qualities and Different Types

A Black man leaning over a desk pointing to something on a laptop screen for another Black man

Navigating a new role, academic field, industry or professional development goal can be overwhelming for anyone, but mentors can help ease that stress. You may be wondering, what is a mentor and what do they do? Simply put, mentors are people who use their wisdom and experience to guide others. Serving as a mentor for one or more people can be challenging, but it can be an extremely rewarding experience that can benefit both parties professionally and personally.