Strategies to Seek Board Positions Yourself

SHAPE YOUR CAREER

• Obtain leadership experience
• Make a strategic plan for yourself that includes line positions
  -- Operating experience and financial knowledge are key
• Be visible at your company
  -- Seek committees or projects that give you a chance to interact with top management.

BE VISIBLE OUTSIDE YOUR COMPANY

• Serve on a nonprofit or advisory board
• Seek appointment to government commissions
• Join and speak at professional or industry-related organizations
• Seek and accept interview requests with the media

MAKE YOUR INTEREST KNOWN

• Make board members, colleagues, and senior management aware that you are interested and available for nonprofit and corporate board positions
• Introduce yourself to those who conduct board searches

PREPARE YOURSELF

• Know about boards; be well read; take courses
• Get your resume ready
  -- Emphasize what boards are looking for
  -- Be clear about the responsibilities you have had
  -- Use dates clearly when describing your education and
  professional experience
  -- Write your biography and gather articles you have authored
  -- Keep your resume, biography, and articles handy

(From the 2005 Catalyst Census of Women Board Directors of the FP500)