A mentor can provide valuable assistance to anyone who is just starting a career. This is especially true for someone who knows little about corporate bureaucracy. A mentor can help a person master the red tape which is found in many career fields and can ease one’s assimilation into the work force. A good mentor will enhance your career experience.

You will find that most of the companies provide comprehensive training programs for new employees, however, they are not sufficient to build an informal network. For achieving success in your business, experts suggest that informal networks are the key. Young and hardworking managers who are busy in their own work all the time generally find themselves left out during promotions. The reason is that achievements are not recognized because of lack of visibility in the company. It is definitely difficult to shout for yourself as a new employee. However, this informal network can help you get the much deserved recognition and promotions for all your hard work.

How do you create a network? The first step is to acquire a mentor. Select someone who has a lot of experience in your company. Your best bet may be someone in upper management. This depends upon your company’s organizational structure and it may not always be possible. If your company is very hierarchial, one of your peers may be a preferable choice. Be sure that your mentor is at least one level above you, however, since he should be your connection to upper management in your company. Choose the best mentor for you!

Some people may be at a loss for a mentor. Mentors are not found everyday and some people may feel uncomfortable talking to just anyone. These types of people should attend social or philanthropic functions, walk through the break room from time to time, and have conversations with people they wouldn’t normally talk to. While you don’t need to be the social butterfly to make friends, by talking to people you can make business connections and possibly find a mentor.

You’ll begin to get a sense of whose personality would mesh well with yours and who could provide personal coaching after you meet others in your company. Try determining if there is an informal network within the company also. Finding someone who is a "connector" (meaning they know other people and put them in contact with others of similar interests) would make the best kind of mentor to assist you in advancing your career.

It is important to maintain consistant contact with the mentor you choose. Check in at least once a month. Keep your mentor up to date on your current work projects and also keep him informed about what is happening in your personal life. Build a friendly relationship. This will help establish and maintain the relationship needed to provide you the personal coaching you require and will help you attain your personal goals.

Most companies have comprehensive training for new employees, but this would not assist you in building an informal network. Experts agree that informal networks are the key to excelling in the business world. Young managers may find themselves shut out when it comes to promotion times if they do not connect to others and simply do their assigned tasks. How do you build a network? Find a mentor, someone who can provide you with personal coaching. Be sure that your mentor has been working with the company for quite some time now and knows who is who and what is what.