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Becoming a Board Member

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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Becoming an Entrepreneur
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Becoming an Entrepreneur
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          Careers

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Job Search
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Develop Your Career Vision
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Develop Your Career Vision
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Resumes & Cover Letters
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Leverage LinkedIn
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Leverage LinkedIn
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Finding Job Opportunities
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Virtual Job Search Teams
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Salary Data & Statistics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Salary Data & Statistics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Interviewing
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Negotiating
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Negotiating
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • US Business Immigration Overview
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • US Business Immigration Overview
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Global Opportunity Fellowship GO: AFRICA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Global Opportunity Fellowship GO: AFRICA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Getting Started
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Getting Started
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Develop Your Career Vision
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Develop Your Career Vision
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Resumes & Cover Letters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Resumes & Cover Letters
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Leverage LinkedIn
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Leverage LinkedIn
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Finding Job Opportunities
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Finding Job Opportunities
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Virtual Job Search Teams
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Virtual Job Search Teams
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Salary Data & Statistics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Salary Data & Statistics
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Interviewing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Interviewing
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Negotiating
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Negotiating
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • US Business Immigration Overview
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • US Business Immigration Overview
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Global Opportunity Fellowship GO: AFRICA
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Global Opportunity Fellowship GO: AFRICA
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • How Coaching Can Help You
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • How Coaching Can Help You
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Coach Directory
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Perfect Your Pitch
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Perfect Your Pitch
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                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Career Transitions Video Series
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Growing on the Job
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Growing on the Job
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Becoming an Entrepreneur
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Becoming an Entrepreneur
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Becoming a Board Member
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Becoming a Board Member
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Balancing Work & Life
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Balancing Work & Life
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Career Re-Entry & Flexible Work
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Career Re-Entry & Flexible Work
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Considering Retirement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Considering Retirement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Resources for New Alumni
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Resources for New Alumni
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Managing Your Career Through COVID-19
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Managing Your Career Through COVID-19
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Career Transitions Video Series
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Career Transitions Video Series
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Growing on the Job
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Growing on the Job
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Becoming an Entrepreneur
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Becoming an Entrepreneur
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Becoming a Board Member
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Becoming a Board Member
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Balancing Work & Life
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Balancing Work & Life
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    • Career Re-Entry & Flexible Work
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      • Career Re-Entry & Flexible Work
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        • Considering Retirement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          • Considering Retirement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            • Resources for New Alumni
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              • Resources for New Alumni
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                • Managing Your Career Through COVID-19
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Managing Your Career Through COVID-19
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Career Blog

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Becoming a Board Member

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Interested in joining a board? Similar to a job search, you’ll need to make connections with the right people to find a board that fits your interests.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Due Diligence

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  We’ve provided a list of questions you should be asking yourself and others before joining a new board.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Ask the Search Committee
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What are the organization's major issues and needs?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What documents should I review?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • How do you orient new directors?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Whom should/can I meet with? (independent directors, CEO, CFO, others)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Ask the Independent Directors
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What is the organization's management style?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What is the culture of the board?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What is the current succession plan for executive management?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What external sources do you use for industry/company performance?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • How much time do you spend with managers not on the board?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Ask the CEO
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What do you hope I will contribute?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Can I see the last 3 board packages?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Over the next 3 years, what is the best - and worst - that can happen for the business?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Who is your most dangerous competitor - why?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What do you take to the board for approval?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What succession plan is in place for your position?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Is the organization engaged in any significant legal action?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Were there any significant accounting adjustments resulting from last year's audit?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Are there any major blocks of stock represented on the board? If so, what are their objectives?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Ask the CFO
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What is your approach to the treatment of major accounting policies?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What is your level of interaction with the board?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What is the organization's relationship with its outside auditor?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • How do you evaluate the Audit Committee's work?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • How do you think my background would add to the board's effectiveness?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What is your evaluation of the board's understanding of the organization's financial statements?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Ask Yourself Before Joining a Non-Profit Board
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Is this the right cause and organization for me?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Can I work with this organization and this board at this particular stage in its life?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What can I or will I contribute to this organization?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • What do I want to get out of being on the board?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Start Networking

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Start by identifying potential industries where your skills would be needed and then create a list of organizations and their directors.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Let the word out - inform your network of your interest in joining a board
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Leverage family/friend connections and ask them to speak on your behalf
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Add a sentence to your LinkedIn Summary about the type of board opportunity that interests you
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Seek out CEOs, board members, and investors who could be helpful. Then, develop a strategy to connect with them (through industry meetings, informal networks, LinkedIn, charitable organizations, etc.)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Search for fellow alumni in the HBS Alumni Resume Book who have relevant board experience
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Identify and contact executive search firms (see list below)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Increase Your Visibility

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Sell yourself as an expert - get published, get quoted, give speeches, serve on panels, etc.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Invest in the organization
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Consult (preferably for the desired organization)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Volunteer to serve on a non-profit board

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Making Corporate Boards More Effective

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Faced with increasingly complex oversight challenges and demands for greater transparency, how can today's boards do more for their companies? In this board of directors education program, you will gain a deeper understanding of the board's responsibilities in areas such as financial resilience, strategic direction, executive compensation, and regulatory compliance.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Learn More

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Showcase Your Value

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Similar to a job search, you need to articulate your value to a board. How do you distinguish yourself from the large number of candidates also searching for board seats? Alter your value statement to align with the board's focus and organization's needs.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Highlight Relevant Expertise
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Board experience - for-profit or non-profit
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Fundraising experience
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Industry knowledge and contacts
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • M&A experience
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • IPO experience
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Experience running a company or mentoring start-ups
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Marketing, financial, or technical expertise
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Risk management experience
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Resume Tips

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Your resume should include a Summary section that highlights your attributes relevant to a board role, as opposed to a management role. The rest of your resume should reflect these characteristics and key aspects of your brand. As you update your resume, consider the differences between a resume for a job and a resume for a board seat.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Capabilities (vs. accomplishments)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Experience (vs. companies)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Value you bring to a board (vs. titles)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Demonstrate how your skills and network can benefit the board by introducing new customers/clients, strategic alliances, international opportunities, and/or new technologies.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Board Bio Template

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Interested in joining a board of directors? In addition to your resume, you will also need a board bio to showcase how your background and expertise will add value to the existing board. A board bio is typically one page including a headshot and four to five paragraphs that highlight your accomplishments, skills, and credibility.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Interpersonal skills
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Ability to handle complexity and ambiguity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Integrity
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Independent mindedness
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Collaboration
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Financial competence
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Focus on shareholder and stakeholder satisfaction
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Commitment to the mission (nonprofit board)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  View our Board Bio Template.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Does your board bio need a refresh?

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Connect with a coach in our office to review your board bio

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Nonprofit Board Service

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Nonprofit board service is an exceptional way for HBS alumni to meaningfully contribute to communities and issues that are meaningful. HBS Career & Professional Development and Social Enterprise Initiative are eager to support you in the process of sourcing and succeeding in this meaningful work.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Contacts at HBS

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Looking for support as you navigate joining a board for the first time or to explore expanding your impact through continued board service? HBS is eager to help through our Career Coaching Program and the resources provided by the Social Enterprise Initiative.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Career Coaches: Betsy Edwards, Meredith Hamilton, Kristin Brennan, and Ellen Harris
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Social Enterprise Initiative: Amelia Angella, Associate Director for Alumni Engagement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Introduction to the role of a nonprofit board member
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Board Source: Leading resource to inspiring board leadership and empower boards
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Bridgespan: Nonprofit Board Resource Center: curated list of resources and articles
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Joining a Nonprofit Board: What You Need to Know by HBS Professor F. Warren McFarlan
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Resources for Increased Impact
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Leading With Intent: BoardSource Index of Nonprofit Board Best Practices
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Board Roles, Responsibilities and Resources: National Council of Nonprofits
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • MBA Executive Education for nonprofit excellence exists at many institutions including HBS and HKS including: Governing for Nonprofit Excellence, Accelerating Board Capacity for School District Board Members, and Performance Measurement for Effective Management of Nonprofit Organizations.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–Nonprofit Board Matching and Search Resources
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Boardnet USA: Nonprofit board matching platform
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • BoardSource: Board Posting and Matching by Region
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • National Council on Nonprofits: Research and find organizations that align with your interests by topic and/or region
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Websites such as Charity Navigator, Guidestar and Idealist.org can also offer resources and insight to organizations by topic including issue area and region.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  +–HBS Specific Resources
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  • Local Alumni Club offer nonprofit board recruitment fairs, regional board summits and other networking events. Contact your local club to learn more.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  From the Career Blog 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  “Most board positions result from a win/win for both parties.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Julie Norris
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Senior Client Partner, Board & CEO Services Practice, Korn Ferry International
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Read Post: Win/Win Board Assignments
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  “Most board positions result from a win/win for both parties.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Julie Norris
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Senior Client Partner, Board & CEO Services Practice, Korn Ferry International
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Read Post: Win/Win Board Assignments
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Corporate Board Service: the What, Why, & How: Gain insight on boards from an experienced executive and corporate director. During this webinar, Christian Smith Shi (MBA 1986) will share her thoughts on recruiting, joining, and serving effectively on boards, as well as practical advice on how to take the first steps.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  View Webinar

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Find a Career Coach

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Did you know that HBS alumni get 4 complimentary coaching sessions a year?
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Learn How a Career Coach Can Help You
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