How to Become a Board Member Early in Your Career (2024)

Summary.

Joining a board as a young professional can be a career-shaping opportunity. It can help you hone your leadership skills, learn how to influence people, and forge strong connections. You can also create lasting impact through the insights, ideas, and strategies you share while in this role. But what does it really mean to serve on a board of directors, and how can you land one of these coveted seats?

• Start small: Smaller nonprofits, like local charities, hospitals, or community colleges, need people who bring leadership, financial, legal, and other business skills to their boards. Think if there anyone in your network who can introduce you (or who knows someone who can introduce you) to a board member or the executive director of that organization? When you start a conversation, explain in detail why you’re interested in serving on the board of that specific organization. Why you are passionate about the cause and your connection to it? Also explain your track record of showing up, keeping commitments, and being prepared.
• Continue building your network: Once you’ve landed your first board seat, the potential to serve on other boards increases. For example, by serving on a local nonprofit board, you will most likely meet business people from your community, including some who own or serve on the board of small, private for-profit companies. As you get to know these fellow board members, share your interest in learning more about their companies and in contributing your knowledge.
• As you climb the ladder from smaller to larger, and from nonprofit to private company to publicly traded organization, you will discover what types of organizations align most with your values and career goals and sense of purpose and passion. Make sure you are not spread too thin, particularly given the demands of your day job. Serve on boards where you can make the greatest impact.