Exploring the factors affecting career progression in informal faculty mentoring sessions within mentor and mentee relationships: a qualitative study

Factors affecting career progression in informal faculty mentoring sessions include mentees' positive mindset, internal motivation and clarity of vision, mentors' skills, reputation, and role modelling. Effective communication, trust, respect, and clear goals are also essential. Challenges, such as busy schedules, cross-gender mentoring, and societal biases, affect these relationships. Overcoming these barriers involves sharing experiences, psychosocial support, empathy, active listening, and feedback.