7 steps to becoming a board member

Want to know how to become a board member? Becoming a leader in your organisation takes more than just luck – it takes skill, experience, knowledge and hard work. So, if a company is headhunting you for a position on their board, it’s a sign that your dedication has been recognised. You’re now ready for the next step in your career!

Becoming a board member can accelerate your career and increase your standing within your industry. But unless you know how to get other board members’ attention, it can be easy for qualified, proficient professionals such as yourself to be overlooked.

A company’s board of directors makes influential decisions that protect its shareholders’ interests and affect business operations and resources. By learning more about the roles and duties of corporate board members, you can create a plan to get the position you want.

This article draws on the expertise of Ruth Palmer, AIB MBA alumni and Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia. With extensive experience across multiple boards, Ruth understands what it takes to secure and excel in a board position. Her insights have helped shape this guide, ensuring it reflects the realities of modern board leadership.

What is a board member?

A board member is an individual on a company’s board of directors. Often elected by the company’s stakeholders, the board of directors serves as an organisation’s governing body to guide, advise and operate the business. They also create company policies and oversee its managerial positions.

Some typical roles on a board of directors include:

• President or Board Chair – Supervises the company’s operations and collaborates with the CEO to ensure the organisation completes the board’s recommendations.
• Vice President or Vice Chair – Works closely with the president and acts on their behalf in their absence.
• Chairperson – Runs board meetings and leads the board of directors.
• Secretary – Records meeting minutes and maintains the meeting records. They also ensure that the board follows its by-laws – a system of rules adopted by the corporation to govern and regulate its members.
• Treasurer – Leads the finance committee and tracks the company’s finances.

What do board members do?

Your duties as a board member will depend on your specific role, but general responsibilities may include:

• Attending regular board meetings to stay informed of company activities
• Attending committee meetings and participating in votes
• Creating and enforcing a company mission statement and vision
• Voting to elect officers on a corporate board
• Setting and following policies for the board’s approval
• Making decisions on company policies
• Reviewing reports on the organisation’s activities and performance

What qualifications do I need to become a board member?

The best boards are made up of people with a good mix of extensive skills. Because of this, many boards will seek out people with specific talents and expertise. Although there are no mandatory qualifications for becoming a board member, we’ll explore advantageous credentials and experiences later in the blog.

Some boards do reserve places for people with particular professional qualifications. For example, a hospital board may hold a spot for someone with a medical qualification.

However, all board members – with or without a qualification – must be:

• Over 18 years old
• Not insolvent or under administration
• Not disqualified under the group’s constitution or due to a breach of their duties.

Read How to get promoted at every level.

How to become a board member in 7 steps

Step 1: Define your personal value proposition

A personal value proposition is a statement or letter detailing your skills, background or expertise – whatever makes you stand out to other board members as a strong candidate. This will give you a clear understanding of your value and demonstrate how your specific attributes can benefit the company.

Your personal value proposition will also inform the board members on what gaps, whether it’s practical skills, experience or knowledge, you can fill within the board of directors.

Ask yourself:

• What expertise or skills do I bring to a board?
• What industries or sectors align with my knowledge and passion?
• How do I differentiate myself from other candidates?

Step 2: Improve your education

While there is no set degree to become a board member, organisations and board directors will assess your initial suitability on your credentials and capabilities. This includes the industry knowledge you have acquired throughout your career and your understanding of what a board member does.

The 2024 Watermark Search International Board Diversity Index reports that 1 in 5 ASX300 board directors hold an MBA, highlighting its value in securing and succeeding in board roles. Having an MBA with Corporate Governance coverage in the curriculum, such as the AIB MBA, demonstrates that you have a deep understanding of corporate governance principles and best practices, as well as the ability to apply them in real-world situations.

You can also improve your certifications by applying for one of our specialised MBAs. These hyper-focused programs increase your knowledge and make you an industry expert. Our MBA allows you to specialise in several key fields:

• MBA Entrepreneurial Management – Develop your entrepreneurial and business consulting skills and product and service design abilities.
• MBA Finance – Cement your position as a leader in the finance sector, or become a financial specialist in your industry.
• MBA Marketing Management – Move into more senior management roles and improve your company’s marketing strategy.
• MBA Human Resource Management – Advance your career in HR as a valuable strategic partner to your business.
• MBA Logistics and Supply Chain Management – Perfect for managers and change leaders looking for a high-impact career in supply chain management.

Apply for the AIB MBA .

The MBA was transformative in equipping me with the tools needed to succeed as a non-executive director. Three months after graduation, I secured my first board position, a testament to the strategic thinking, financial acumen and governance knowledge I gained during the MBA. It was a key milestone in transitioning my career towards leadership and influence in the boardroom. 

Ruth Palmer

Step 3: Improve your soft skills

The 2022 Global Board Culture and Director Behaviours Study, conducted by Russell Reynolds Associates, surveyed over 1,100 board directors worldwide. The findings highlight the attributes of high-performing boards (dubbed Gold Medal Boards) and the key behaviours that drive success.

Gold Medal Board directors are more likely to communicate and engage with others in a constructive manner, go out of their way to understand differences and perspectives, and ask the right questions to keep the discussion focused on what matters most. Gold Medal Board directors are far more likely to demonstrate courage and build trust – two critical enablers of boardroom excellence.

To develop the soft skills essential for board leadership, focus on:

• Active listening – Ensuring all voices are heard and valued in discussions.
• Emotional intelligence – Understanding and managing your own emotions while effectively navigating interpersonal dynamics.
• Conflict resolution – Addressing differing opinions in a constructive and professional manner.
• Strategic questioning – Asking insightful questions that drive meaningful board discussions.

Developing your own soft skills in these areas, whether through leadership training, coaching or deliberate practice, can enhance your effectiveness as a board member.

Step 4: Nurture your personal connections and network with new people

Networking is a genuine and effective way to meet current board members and build professional relationships. These relationships can result in mentorship opportunities or even inform you when there is an open position on a board. Take the time to research board members in your industry and join organisations where they actively contribute.

Some effective ways to expand your board network include:

• Let your professional circle know you’re interested in board opportunities.
• Attend industry events and governance seminars.
• Join business and professional associations.
• Seek mentorship from experienced board members.

The AIB alumni network has been an invaluable resource, providing a platform to connect with like-minded professionals who share similar goals and challenges. The network has fostered opportunities to collaborate on initiatives and access mentorship and advice from experienced leaders. It serves as a constant reminder of the importance of lifelong learning and community building. I am still very connected with AIB and have enjoyed speaking with staff about my journey and being involved in various alumni projects.

Ruth Palmer

Step 5: Build your personal brand

Self-promotion and building your personal brand go hand in hand. Not only does it help you stand out from other candidates for board positions, but it also establishes you as a leader in your industry. You can build your personal brand by:

• Posting regularly on LinkedIn – this includes writing articles and contributing to LinkedIn groups.
• Speaking at public events such as conferences and seminars.
• Creating a professional website that details your accomplishments.
• Sharing your work on networking websites and social media groups.

Step 6: Start with volunteer board and committee roles

If your long-term goal is to secure paid board positions, the best way to gain experience is by joining a volunteer board or committee. Committing to at least a two-year term in a volunteer role allows you to make a meaningful contribution and establish a track record of effective board service. There’s no need to rush into a paid board position right away. The demands and expectations are significantly higher than in a volunteer role which can cause stress if you’re not fully prepared.

Serving on volunteer boards allows you to:

• Develop an understanding of governance and strategic decision-making.
• Learn how different sectors operate, from government and corporate entities to not-for-profits.
• Gain exposure to financial oversight, risk management and compliance.
• Build credibility and connections within the boardroom.

In addition to formal board positions, consider joining committees such as finance, risk, or governance committees. These provide valuable experience and can serve as a stepping stone to full board roles.

Look for opportunities that align with your interests and passions, whether in sport, education, community organisations or industry groups. For example, if you have children, look at committees that align with what they are doing such as at the school or after school activities.

Ruth Palmer

Step 7: Transition to paid board roles

Once you’ve gained experience in voluntary board positions, you can start pursuing smaller paid board roles. These may include advisory boards, start-ups or community-based organisations with stipends.

Paid roles often come with increased responsibilities, so ensure you:

• Understand the legal and financial obligations of being a director.
• Understand the conflict of interest register and declare anything that you believe may be a conflict, no matter how small you think the conflict is.
• Are prepared to take on a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of the organisation.
• Continue learning and upskilling through governance training and professional development.

It can be daunting to take that first step. Back yourself and your skills, and know that everything you have learnt and studied can be used in real life scenarios. My journey from not completing Year 11 to obtaining an MBA and securing board positions reflects the power of resilience and long-term focus. Another tip, these roles will likely never be taken over by AI. These positions require real people to make real decisions and often votes to ensure a business is successful, regardless of what type of business it is.

Ruth Palmer

The journey to board leadership is both challenging and rewarding. By following these key steps, you’ll position yourself as a strong and capable board candidate. No matter where you are in your career, the boardroom is within reach if you’re willing to take the first step.

 

Ruth Palmer is the Executive Director of the Property Council of Australia. Holding a Master of Business degree and sitting on numerous boards, Ruth brings a wealth of expertise and knowledge to her role. Within the Northern Territory’s business community, she is recognised as one of the most prominent and influential industry leaders.

Since completing her MBA, Ruth has been invited to serve on numerous boards and committees that have significantly contributed to the Northern Territory’s development. Currently, she is the President of Gymnastics NT and Neighbourhood Watch NT, a Board Member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and a Member of several NT Government committees such as the Audit & Risk Committee for the Department of Education and the Community reference Group for the Darwin Region Water Supply, INPEX Business Advisory Committee, and NT Business Council. She also holds roles such as Executive Sponsor of the Indigenous Advisory Group and a member of the Economic Vibrancy Committee for the City of Palmerston.

Australian Institute of Business (AIB) is Australia’s largest online MBA provider.* As the practical business school, we believe bringing theory to life through real world experiences is critical to your education and career development. Accelerate your path to board membership through our flexible and internationally recognised degrees.