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.

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. A young manager may find themselves shut out when it comes to promotion times if they do not connect to others and simply do their assigned tasks. The reason is because any of their achivements would not be noticed. As a new employee you may find it hard to toot your own horn, so to speak, but the network you build can get your noticed for 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.

After getting to know the others in your company you should have a firm idea of the types of personalities with whom you will mesh well and those you won’t. You should also be able to figure out who will give you the best personal coaching. Try and also figure out the informal network that already exists within the company. If you can find the company “connector” (that is the person who knows many other people and who is connecting others with like interests) get to know them as they tend to make the best type of mentor and can further 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. When it comes to promotion time’s young managers may find themselves shut out if they do not connect to others and simply do their assigned tasks. After getting to know the others in your company you should have a firm idea of the types of personalities with whom you will mesh well and those you won’t. The question arises then how to build a network? The first step is to find a mentor. You should also be able to figure out who will give you the best personal coaching.