Most researchers studying mentoring have assessed the assistance proteges receive from their mentors using measures derived from the analysis of informal mentoring relationships. However, it is questionable whether formal, or assigned, mentoring relationships are the same as informal ones. Multiple methods were used in this study to investigate formal mentors' perceptions of how they assist their proteges. The results suggest formal mentors serve some, but not all, of the same functions as informal mentors. (Contains 3 tables.)