Honestly, read the books Donnie Brasco and Making Jack Falcone. That might sound stupid because both are about how FBI agents got in with wise guys, but that's the closest, most honest look we have into how one passes from lay person to (nearly) made person.

But I hope you don't plan on walking into some Elizabeth, NJ pork store and asking the first guy you see in a Fila tracksuit for an application.