Tips for Landing a Seat at the Board of Directors Table

Tips for Landing a Seat at the Board of Directors Table

Experts agree: Sitting on an external company board is pivotal to advancing your career. Finding one to become part of, however, is easier said than done. Here are the top tried-and-true methods that experts say will eventually get you that coveted seat at the table.

  1. Make a name for yourself in a given area of expertise. Give lectures, join panel discussions, speak at industry conferences.

  2. Offer your user expertise to a vendor.

  3. Consider a seat on a nonprofit -- even if it's not related to IT.

  4. Let people know you're in the market for a seat.

  5. Be willing to make a time commitment.

  6. Solicit advice from your own board of directors.

This was first published in September 2006