Mentoring offers fewer career benefits for women than it does for men, says a survey reported in Harvard Business Review (http://go.nature.com/umLiRU). The study, conducted by Catalyst, a New York-based non-profit organization that seeks to advance women in the workplace, finds that less-effective mentoring is one of the reasons that women are less likely than men to be promoted. Researchers surveyed more than 4,000 advanced-degree holders working in drug making, utilities and other industries. They say that women should seek 'sponsorship' from senior managers who will advance their careers. Most mentors offer psychosocial support, whereas only sponsors “actively advocate for advancement”, the study says.