Nonprofit Boards: Stepping Stones to Corporate Board Positions
You have fifteen years invested in to the company, have worked your way up from Project Manager to the “C-Suite”, have saved the company beaucoup bucks, and occasionally pulled the company out of a bad quarter through your innovative ideas and superb leadership skills. Just before you think you have done it all, stop and ask yourself one simple question: Have you ever served on a board of directors? If the answer is anything but yes, then you need to seriously consider it. However, landing a seat on a corporate board may be more difficult than you think.
Corporate committees usually want people who have previous or current experience serving on a board because those people already have an understanding of how a board functions and already possess the etiquette and integrity people look for in board members.
At this point you are probably asking; “What does serving on a nonprofit board have to do with this?” Here’s why you should consider this option.
Experience
Consider this, if you will. When you learned to walk, you first had to crawl. That’s what nonprofits can be for somebody who has never been on a Board of Directors before, a means of getting you on your feet. Nonprofits are the best way to gain board experience because you do not need to be an employee of a corporation and all that is required of you is some of your time and insight.
During this time, you will gain an understanding into issues that are essential to successfully running a business, and you may even learn about industries outside your own. By gaining this expertise, you become a valuable asset to your own company, and will get you noticed more by other boards.
Exposure and Networking
Serving on a nonprofit board is also a great way for you to get your name out there and get noticed by other leaders and gives you a chance to connect with them. The fact that you would take time from your day to help an organization says a lot about your character, and it shows that you are approachable and willing to listen to new ideas. In turn, you will begin to learn things you’ve never heard of before, and gain insight on how to make things more expeditious in your own company. This will also allow you to share your own insight and innovations that you have learned along the way. Staying connected and networking with them is mutually beneficial because if you need insight, you have a group to fall back on for advice.
Help Yourself Feel Good
There have been numerous studies done all over the world, and it’s been found that when you help others, it helps you feel better about yourself. Remember, though; don’t serve on a nonprofit simply because it’s a good boost for your career. Do it because it’s a cause that you truly believe in. When you do, you go home knowing you’ve helped make a change in the world, and that is one feeling that really can’t be described by words alone. It is just one of those things you have to experience for yourself.
Let 3D Tek be your guide. We specialize in Executive Search & Recruitment and IT Staffing services, working with companies nationwide to align them with only the best talent. Visit www.3dtek.com to learn more about who we are, or call us directly to speak about your needs at 352-569-9203; 111
Research Citations:
“Why Everyone Should Join a Nonprofit Board” – Joan Garry
“Nonprofit Boards: Five Reasons to Consider Serving” – Alexandra R. Lajoux
“4 ways being a nonprofit board member can help your career” – Dan Blakemore
