Where To Put Board Membership On Linkedin

Okay, picture this: I'm scrolling through LinkedIn (like we all do, let's be honest), and I see someone I vaguely know listed as "Board Member, Acme Corp." Cool, right? But then I click on their profile, and it's... buried. Lost in the shuffle of past jobs and skills endorsements. It's like they're trying to hide the fact that they're sitting on a freaking board! That got me thinking: where should you put board membership on LinkedIn for maximum impact (and, let's be real, maximum bragging rights)?

So, let's dive in! The answer, my friends, isn't as straightforward as you might think. There are a few schools of thought, each with its pros and cons. Let's explore them, shall we?

The "Experience" Section: The Classic Approach

This is the most common way people list board memberships, and for good reason. It treats the board role like, well, a job. You'd create a new entry under your "Experience" section, listing the company, your title (e.g., "Board Member," "Independent Director," etc.), and the dates of your tenure. (Side note: always be clear about your title. No one wants to guess what "Advisory Council Participant" really means.)

Pros:

• Easy to find: It's right there in your work history.
• Provides context: You can (and should!) add a description detailing your responsibilities and contributions to the board. This is your chance to shine! Did you spearhead a new initiative? Mention it! Did you help secure a major investment? Brag a little (tastefully, of course).
• Chronological order: It fits neatly into the timeline of your career.

Cons:

• Can get buried: Especially if you have a long and illustrious career (lucky you!). It might get lost amongst all your other roles.
• May be perceived as "just another job": Board roles are different from traditional employment. Listing it only in the Experience section might downplay its significance.

The "Volunteer Experience" Section: The Altruistic Option

This option works well if you're on the board of a non-profit or a charitable organization. It highlights the fact that you're dedicating your time and expertise to a worthy cause. (And let's be honest, it makes you look good.)

Pros:

• Highlights your commitment to social impact: This is a big plus if you're trying to position yourself as a socially responsible leader.
• Separates it from paid employment: Clearly distinguishes it from your professional career.

Cons:

• Not suitable for for-profit boards: Unless you're actually volunteering your time (which is rare for corporate boards), this option is misleading.
• Might downplay the strategic importance: Some people might perceive "volunteer" roles as less significant than paid positions.

The "About" Section: The Summary Statement

This is where you can weave your board membership into your overall professional narrative. Mention it briefly in your summary, highlighting the types of organizations you serve on and the skills you bring to the table. For example: "Experienced executive with a passion for [industry] and a track record of success in [area of expertise]. Currently serving on the board of directors for [Company Name]."

Pros:

• Adds credibility to your profile: It instantly elevates your status.
• Integrates seamlessly into your personal brand: It shows how your board experience aligns with your overall career goals.

Cons:

• Doesn't provide much detail: It's just a brief mention. You'll still need to elaborate in the Experience section.
• Easy to overlook: If your "About" section is too long or poorly written, people might skip over it. (So keep it concise and engaging!)

The Hybrid Approach: The Best of Both Worlds

My recommendation? Do all of the above! List the board membership in your Experience section, mention it briefly in your "About" section, and (if applicable) add it to your Volunteer Experience section. This ensures that your board role is visible, contextualized, and aligned with your personal brand.

Bonus Tip: Engage with the company you serve on! Share their updates, comment on their posts, and generally be an active and supportive board member on LinkedIn. It's good for them, and it's good for you. It shows you’re not just a name on a list, but an active participant.

Ultimately, the best approach depends on your individual circumstances and your career goals. But by considering these different options, you can ensure that your board membership gets the attention it deserves. Now go forth and conquer LinkedIn! (And maybe send me a connection request while you're at it. Just kidding... unless?)