Each mentoring relationship will be defined by goals and distance. The two people may first identify one another, then define the type of relationship they will create. Alternatively, one person may begin by defining the type of relationship desired, then find someone who can fill that role.

Mentees can have more than one mentor, and mentoring relationships vary in several attributes (Table 1). For example, distance may define a mentoring relationship, which can be virtual or face-to-face.