V-mentoring is a relationship that is established between a more senior individual (V-mentor) and a less skilled or experienced individual (V-mentee), primarily using virtual communications (i.e. e-mail, message boards, community blogs, etc.), and is intended to develop and grow the skills, knowledge, confidence and cultural understanding of the V-mentee to help him or her succeed.

How V-mentoring differs from traditional mentoring:

• Communication is not restricted by geographic proximity
• Communication is not confined by the calendar or the clock
• Communication requires some degree of literacy, familiarity with using e-mail and willingness to talk about oneself frankly
• It cultivates an appreciation for online culture and electronic communication
• Commonalities of background or interest are more important in creating successful matches
  

Advantages of V-mentoring:

• Makes communication possible any time, anywhere
• Saves time and money
• Focuses on what matters
• Exposes participants to online resources and strategies
• Offers guidance and advice to the V-mentee based on the experience of a trained V-mentor
• Promotes greater cohesiveness in a learning community or group
• Transfers tacit knowledge from one generation of workers to the next
• Creates early ties to the industry for the V-mentee, discouraging post-secondary attrition
• Generates intrinsic rewards for the V-mentor