Why Seek Directorships on Boards?

Aug. 3, 2011 - PRLog -- The three most important factors that drive people to pursue directorships are to advance their career, support an industry or a cause, and broaden their connections and networks.

The career opportunities as a director are enormous. Some people pursue a career of governing a portfolio of companies as a board member, and others simply sit on a Not-For-Profit board to learn and develop their directorship experience whilst being able to focus on other roles.

Opportunities for independent directors are rising. Given the recent News Corporation phone-hacking scandal published in the papers, many companies will be looking to spruce up their boards for greater accountability. An obvious option is to bring in independent heavyweights with successful careers at other firms. Such individuals are in short supply, states The Economist newspaper. As an example, Simon McKeon, 2011 Australian of the Year, whose main job is chairing Macquarie Group’s Melbourne office, also is a director of at least five other organisations.

High performing directors, according to Chairman of Effective Governance, Professor Geoffrey Kiel, are leaders, visionaries, strategic thinkers, practical people, analytical people and communicators.

A common area to gain directorship experience for first-time directors is sitting on Not-for-profit boards. They are challenging, unique, and a great platform for directors to gain some experience before pursuing appointments at larger organisations and public companies.

BoardofDirectors.com.au has found that more than 63% of not-for-profit organisations in Australia will be looking for new board members in the next 12 months. This is a great time for aspiring directors to advance their career and support a cause they are interested in.

Directorships can introduce you to an exclusive group of individuals in our society empowered to make important decisions in the direction of organisations.

As a director, you can have the opportunity to learn from and share ideas with industry leaders, innovative thinkers, and passionate individuals. And at the same time create lasting networks and connections.

Through these networks, you are able to stay informed, receive support from colleagues, and open opportunities to further develop your career.

Board directorships can be challenging and demanding, but yet very rewarding. There are a larger number of directorship opportunities available for a wide range of people from the first-time directors, to the experienced public-company directors. Finding these board opportunities has become simple and efficient with the rise of BoardofDirectors.com.au.

Puneet Gupta is a Director at BoardofDirectors.com.au. He can be contacted on puneet@boardofdirectors.com.au.

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BoardofDirectors.com.au is Australia’s leading website for Directorship seekers, to search and apply for Directorship vacancies in corporate and not-for-profit organisations.