Success rarely happens in isolation. Whether you're pursuing a degree, navigating a career change, or working toward a personal goal, having support can make a measurable difference.

Mentors offer insight, support, and motivation to help you stay focused, overcome challenges, and reach your full potential. Together, a mentor and mentee work to identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for accomplishing short- and long-term goals.

In this article, we’ll explore what mentorship looks like, the benefits of having a mentor in college, and why WGU’s mentorship model stands out in today’s online university landscape.

What Is a Mentor?

Mentors are professionals who dedicate time and resources toward coaching someone in a one-on-one setting. They act as trusted advisors for those looking to achieve a specific objective. Many people seek out a mentor who has lived experience in their preferred subject or field. This way, the mentee can receive the “inside scoop” on how to make progress and navigate obstacles unique to their situation.

Successful mentors are encouraging and inspiring even as they give honest feedback and help foster a relationship of accountability with their mentees. Mentors are found in many settings, including schools, workplaces, community groups, and other organizations. Mentorship in colleges and universities, in particular, often has a lasting impact on student mentees navigating degree programs and preparing or upskilling for careers.

While most—if not all—educational institutions offer myriad resources for student support, mentors help bring a more personal, individualized touch to a student’s experience.

Benefits of Mentorship

Below are several standout benefits of having a mentor:

Support for Growth

For individuals starting fresh or stretching beyond their comfort zone, mentors provide clarity and motivation, tailoring their approach to mentees’ unique circumstances. The best type of mentor seeks to understand mentee complexities and roadblocks and act as a pillar of support for their personal and professional growth.

Effective Goal-Setting

Setting and reaching goals with a mentor tends to be easier than doing so alone. Effective mentoring begins with establishing achievable milestones and then consistently tracking progress along the way. After discussing expectations with mentees, carefully chosen mentors will understand which goals would be the best or most realistic to pursue.

To illustrate, WGU graduate Lyndsie Jones shares how her mentor helped create a game plan to earn her degree: “Listening to my mentor was critical. I was overwhelmed every single day, but I knew if I did a little bit that my mentor asked me to complete, it would add up to finishing each step.”

Accountability

Regular check-ins between mentor and mentee—whether via chat, phone, or email—help nurture an atmosphere of focus and accountability. Mentors serve as reliable accountability partners who celebrate progress and offer guidance when adjustments are needed.

Practicing active accountability is a valuable tool for self-improvement since it enables continual ownership over a mentee’s progress.

Network-Building

Mentors often open doors to opportunity, introducing mentees to others in their discipline and recommending mentees for roles or internships they’re striving for. These kinds of connections can be career-changing, especially if the mentor is an established expert in their field.

Mentoring may include tips and training on how to network (whether in person or online), including how to forge lasting, authentic relationships based on curiosity and mutual respect.

Constructive Feedback

Honest, constructive feedback from mentor to mentee—and vice versa—is an essential aspect of professional development. Mentors provide an objective perspective on areas that an individual may not be able to see clearly themselves. A skilled mentor’s feedback is more than mere friendly encouragement—it is actionable input that helps a mentee address blind spots.

Receiving feedback from a mentor can also help prepare individuals for feedback from instructors, employers, and others involved on their educational and career path.

Personalized Learning

Everybody learns differently. Mentors are usually trained to understand, support, and advocate for their mentees’ individual differences. This means that mentors help tailor approaches to mentees’ strengths, whether through scheduled study sessions, learning strategies, or soft-skill coaching and retention. With a wealth of resources at their disposal, mentors can guide individuals to understand their own learning needs and build a plan of action around those needs.

Additionally, working one-on-one with an attentive mentor can improve communication skills, which are crucial for workplace collaboration and career success.

How to Choose a Mentor

Choosing the right mentor is the first step in the mentorship process. But how is it done? The fundamentals include:

• Looking for relevant experience in your field. Consider a mentor’s years of experience, education, or leadership within your area of interest. A mentor with firsthand knowledge of your chosen path can offer actionable insights and help you avoid common pitfalls.
• Determining your budget. Before choosing a mentor, consider what you can afford. Rates vary based on experience and time commitment. Be upfront about your budget and look for options that match. Some mentors may offer flexible pricing or free sessions, especially for students or those just starting out. WGU Program Mentors do not require a fee.
• Checking references or testimonials. Ask for recommendations or review testimonials to understand the mentor’s style and impact. Previous mentees can provide helpful context about what to expect and how the mentor supports growth, accountability, and communication.
• Setting up an introduction. Before committing, schedule an initial conversation to get a sense of your compatibility. Do you feel comfortable asking questions? Does the mentor understand your needs? A strong connection, both on a personal and professional level, can lay the foundation for a productive mentoring relationship.

At WGU, students are assigned a Program Mentor with experience and knowledge in their subject area. These mentors work with students from enrollment to graduation and make mentorship accessible, meaningful, and immediate.

Why Choose Mentorship at WGU?

At WGU, mentorship goes far beyond encouragement—it’s a strategic partnership designed to fuel student success. From day one through graduation, each student is paired with a Program Mentor who offers tailored guidance, helps set achievable goals, and supports academic momentum. These mentors are more than just advisors; they’re dedicated allies and role models who understand the demands of balancing education with work, family, and life.

WGU Program Mentors play a pivotal role in shaping each student’s experience. They offer subject-matter expertise, coaching skills, and a deep understanding of WGU’s flexible, competency-based learning model. Whether you’re pursuing a bachelor’s degree or returning to school for career advancement, your mentor will help ensure you stay on track and make steady progress toward graduation.

Here’s how WGU Program Mentors assist you on your journey:

• Support from day one. Every student begins with a one-on-one mentoring relationship tailored to their field of study.

• Regular check-ins and guidance. Mentorship is included in the WGU model—no extra cost, no added stress.

• Accountability to someone who knows your progress and potential. Program Mentors provide encouragement, structure, and accountability.

• Students can request a new mentor anytime. WGU ensures flexibility and support even when your preferences or needs change.

Along with academic planning, WGU Program Mentors help students build confidence, grow professionally, and stay on track. Their support is built into your experience—so you’re never going it alone.

Ready to see how mentorship can shape your success? Explore WGU’s degree programs today.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is a Mentor?

A mentor is an experienced professional who provides specialized guidance and support to mentees.

How Can I Find a Mentor at WGU?

Upon enrollment, every WGU student is assigned a Program Mentor to review their course plans and support their academic success. 

What Does “Mentor” Mean?

 The term “mentor” refers to an experienced or trusted advisor, while “mentee” refers to the person who is advised. The mentor-mentee relationship is known as “mentoring.”