Who shaped your career? Think about the people who guided, challenged, and helped you grow into the professional you are today. Do you think that artificial intelligence could have replaced their support?

AI is revolutionizing mentorship by offering tailored learning, progress tracking, and administrative support. But AI has its limitations. AI cannot replace human intuition, empathy, and the ability to challenge mentees in a nuanced way.

In today’s workplace, mentorship has never been more critical and complex. A new generation of employees is looking for new ways to learn and develop, and mentoring is at the top of their list. And they are not afraid to turn to AI for support. A recent Deloitte report revealed that eight out of ten employees believe AI can support their professional growth through tailored learning opportunities.

That’s not just a statistic—it’s a clear signal. People are asking for mentorship that leverages the best of both worlds: technology and human connection. They also want it customized to their individual needs.

What AI can do for mentorship

AI is reimagining how we mentor, with tools like adaptive learning platforms can tailor learning experiences to specific needs, skills, and pace. It can also analyze data for skills gaps, suggest discussion topics, and provide summaries and progress reports. Virtual collaboration software is also making it easier than ever to connect, guide, and support mentees. These tools simplify time-consuming logistical and administrative burdens and free up time for deeper conversations.

What AI can’t do for mentorship

Here’s the catch: While AI can streamline mentorship, it can’t replicate the trust, empathy, and intuition that define a truly impactful mentoring relationship. People are not cookie-cutter, so having a one-size-fits-all solution rarely works. Only a human mentor can offer intuitive, nuanced guidance. AI cannot inspire and push mentees beyond their comfort zone in the same way a human mentor can.

In our book, Financial Times Guide to Mentoring, Peter Brown, PwC’s global workforce leader, shared, “The use of generative AI in a mentor-mentee relationship is a classic case of where technology can be used to augment but not replace human beings. . . . As brilliant as it is, Al is unable to provide, for example, the emotional connection, empathy, and nuanced advice—all these innate, human qualities can’t be replaced by it.”