Definition(s):

“An experienced and trusted advisor. An experienced person in an organization or institution who trains and counsels new employees or students” (Mentor, 2004).
“A career development method whereby less experienced employees are matched with more experienced colleagues for guidance either through formal or informal programs.” (Society for Human Resource Management)
“The process whereby a senior employee takes an active role in developing a junior colleague. Typically this occurs at managerial level or amongst professions. The mentor provides advice on how the mentee can develop his or her skills, competencies, knowledge, and experience in order to progress along a successful career path. As well as giving advice, the mentor might also prove useful in providing contacts that help the mentee to engage in the process of networking.” (A Dictionary of Human Resource Management)

"mentor n." Soanes, C. and Stevenson, A. (Ed.). (2004). The concise Oxford English dictionary. [Online]. Oxford: Oxford University Press. Oxford Reference Online. BLC Boston College Libraries. Retrieved June 8, 2005 from http://www.oxfordreference.com/views/ENTRY.html?entry=t23.e34960&srn=1&ssid=521496170#FIRSTHIT. Society for Human Resource Management. (n.d.). Glossary. Retrieved August 16, 2005, from http://www.shrm.org/TemplatesTools/Glossaries/HRTerms/Pages/m.aspx. Heery E. and Noon, M. (2001). A dictionary of human resource management. Oxford: Oxford University Press.