It’s an idea that percolates in the back of your mind: one day, somehow, you would like to join a board of directors. You’re not quite sure how to get there, but you feel that you could use your skills to positively contribute to an organisation as a board member.

But what if you could make ‘one day’ today? The good news is that you can.

While you may not find yourself in a wood-panelled ASX 200 boardroom as your first board experience, you could kickstart your board career by becoming a volunteer board member for a not-for-profit or community organisation.

Each year, SEEK Volunteer lists hundreds of volunteer board positions across a range of not-for-profits seeking the right people to help ensure good governance and a prosperous business.

There are many benefits of taking up a position as a volunteer board member:

1. Gain experience in understanding board operations:

• By joining a board in a volunteer capacity, you will be able to familiarise yourself with basic board, governance and committee structures, such as forming a quorum through to learning more about financial operations and decisions. You will also develop an understanding of the various roles represented at the board level while also having the opportunity to problem solve and negotiate differences of opinion.

2. Establish a new professional network:

• Savvy professionals understand the importance of surrounding themselves with a strong and supportive network. Through volunteering on a board, you will forge new connections with like-minded professionals who may serve on and recruit for other boards you are interested in, too.  These contacts could also become valuable referees for future career moves or subsequent board positions.

3. Opportunity to give back:

• For many, the nine-to-five grind doesn’t allow much time to give back to others. Through taking up a volunteer board position, not only are you strengthening your professional experience but most importantly, you have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the longevity and success of a community organisation, helping them to make a real difference. And that feels good!

If you’re concerned that you don’t have enough experience or think you’re too young to be on a board, remember that good businesses are always looking for diversity of thinking, and at times, young people to help give them insight into their target audiences. Plus, with virtual volunteering becoming more and more popular, you will may be able to do part of this role from the comfort of your home.

So, why wait? Take your first step to building your board career by searching opportunities on SEEK Volunteer here.