Unlocking Career Growth: 5 Benefits of Joining a Board Outside Your Workplace

Ben H
3 min readMar 15, 2023
Photo by Dane Deaner on Unsplash

5 Reasons Why Joining a Board Outside of Work Can Be Amazing for Career Progress

In today’s competitive job market, professionals are seeking various ways to enhance their career progress. One often-overlooked opportunity is joining a board outside of work. Serving on a board, whether it be for a non-profit organisation, charity, or professional association, can have a significant impact on your professional growth. In this article, we will explore five reasons why joining a board can be amazing for your career progress.

1. Develop Leadership Skills

Joining a board presents an opportunity to hone your leadership skills in a practical environment. As a board member, you’ll be responsible for making crucial decisions, setting the strategic direction of the organisation, and ensuring its sustainability. This hands-on experience allows you to develop essential leadership qualities such as decision-making, communication, and conflict resolution that are transferable to your day job and future career opportunities.

2. Expand Your Network

Serving on a board will enable you to build relationships with a diverse group of individuals, including professionals from various industries, backgrounds, and expertise. These connections can be invaluable in fostering new partnerships, obtaining referrals, and gaining insights into other sectors. Additionally, networking with fellow board members and stakeholders can increase your visibility within your industry and help you stay informed about current trends and job opportunities.

3. Improve Your CV

Participating in a board demonstrates your commitment to personal and professional development. It showcases your ability to take on additional responsibilities and provides evidence of your skills in leadership, teamwork, and strategic thinking. Including your board experience on your CV can make you stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of landing your dream job or promotion.

4. Enhance Your Understanding of Different Organisations

Working on a board outside of your industry or day job can provide valuable insights into different organisational structures, management styles, and operational challenges. This broader perspective can enable you to become a more adaptable and resourceful professional, capable of contributing meaningfully to various types of organisations. Furthermore, this understanding can help you identify innovative ideas and best practices that you can implement within your own workplace.

5. Give Back to the Community and Build Your Personal Brand

Lastly, joining a board allows you to give back to the community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. This contribution can be personally rewarding and also help you establish a strong personal brand as a socially responsible and dedicated professional. By aligning yourself with a reputable organisation and demonstrating your commitment to a cause, you can enhance your professional reputation and increase your credibility within your industry.

In conclusion, serving on a board outside of work can be a fantastic opportunity for professional growth. By developing leadership skills, expanding your network, improving your CV, gaining insights into different organisations, and giving back to the community, you can significantly boost your career progress. So, start researching board opportunities today and unlock the potential to advance your career in ways you never imagined.

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Ben H

🕊 Consultant, Counselor, Mediator, Facilitator, Trainer on Nonviolent Communication. 🦒