Five Alternatives to the AICD Company Directors Course
By Anna Daly
2nd November 2022
Five Alternatives to the AICD Company Directors Course
Highly regarded courses such as the AICD Company Directors Course are not necessarily the be-all and end-all for Board membership, particularly when candidates have strong experience and an accompanying track record of on-the-job effectiveness. For one thing, while Boards sometimes seek members with specific qualifications to address gaps in skills or knowledge, there is no one standard formal qualification you must have to sit on a Board. For another, even executives who believe that completing the AICD qualification is fundamental to a Board career concede that this may be for no other reason than that it distinguishes you from candidates without a GAICD.
Ultimately, your motivations for joining a Board will be crucial to determining which course of action you should take to strengthen your application for membership but you might find further training unnecessary – at least for now. Here are five aspects of your career that can add the same value to your CV as the AICD Directors Course.
1. A Track Record of Commitment
A demonstrable interest in the general area in which an organisation operates immediately distinguishes you from other Board candidates. In a panel discussion from 2020, Victoria’s former lead scientist Dr. Leonie Walsh mentions that she didn’t have any formal qualifications on the first boards she joined: there was simply a strong alignment between the Board and her interests and professional skills. Most of us aren’t lead scientists but Walsh’s observation still holds: personal or professional, high-minded or purely transactional, a demonstrable alignment between your interests and those of the organisation you seek to join is sure to catch the recruitment panel’s eye.
There are a number of ways you can demonstrate your alignment. A track record of working or volunteering in the Not-for-Profit sector is often considered desirable for Not-for-Profit Board roles; club and society membership can be similarly well-regarded, as can sitting on workplace committees and working groups. Perhaps at your insistence, your company or the organisation you work for supported a particular cause. Maybe you play in a band or a chamber music group. Depending on the organisation, these are just some aspects of your personal and professional life that may be worth highlighting in your bid for Board membership.
2. Professional Experience
The value of your professional experience can be similarly layered. Generally speaking, Boards are looking for candidates with governance and leadership experience but experience in specific industries, sectors and geographic locations also speaks volumes, regardless of seniority, as does an aptitude for strategic thinking.
Your background in an area may be reflected in your role titles or the kinds of organisations with which you have worked. It can also be reflected in the duties and accomplishments associated with each role and in the amount of time spent in specific roles, industries or locations.
3. Subject Matter Expertise
In its Good Governance Guide, the Governance Institute of Australia provides a non-exhaustive list of areas within and across industries in which Boards typically seek expertise. Expertise in digital technology, PR and media, and environmental sustainability is currently in high demand. Boards also commonly advertise for members with specialist knowledge in accounting, corporate management, industry taxation, legal, HR, marketing and public policy.
4. Networks, Deep and Broad
Your networks – deep, wide-reaching or both – can be valuable assets for Boards and demonstrated in several ways. They may be implied in the titles of the roles you have held, particularly if you have held leadership roles. They may also be indicated by your memberships and participation in groups, committees, clubs and societies both inside and outside of work; and in the responsibilities associated with your roles. Working across business units, divisions, regions and with outside contractors, organisations and agencies can all be considered examples of networking and building networks.
5. Short Courses
Enrolling in a short course may hardly seem like an alternative to enrolling in the AICD Company Directors Course. The value of the Company Directors Course is the transition it offers from an operational perspective to a broader overview that is far less hands-on. There are other legitimate training options, however, which is reassuring given the cost and time commitment of the Company Directors Course – over $7,000 for members and $10,000 for non-members; and, according to some accounts, at least 150 hours of study.
Nick Wailes, The Director and Deputy Dean at the Australian Graduate School of Management observes that comprehensiveness is one of the reasons the GAICD is held in high regard. However, for those with good, broad experience but lacking a specific skill, microcredentials from recognised institutions can be very useful for filling gaps.
For a more thorough approach, TAFEs, professional private providers such as the GIA and universities offer less expensive modules, certificates and diplomas. The GIA offers Fellowships suitable for CEOs and Senior Management, and courses for students in governance and risk management. Many universities offer graduate and postgraduate certificates in areas such as leadership and strategy, though some prerequisites, including completion of prior courses, may apply.
A successful application for Board membership is not dependent on AICD training but it is dependent on making a good, strong impression overall. Often it is a combination of interests, experience and expertise rather than just qualifications that makes a candidate attractive, so keep an open mind about what you have to offer. Importantly, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all Board CV. Like any role, your application for Board membership should make the alignment between your attributes and what the organisation needs abundantly clear.
Executive Agents are specialists at tailoring resumes to Executive-and Board-level roles. Contact us today to take your first steps towards Board-career success.
Passionate, motivated and ready to contribute your experience?
Get the Board Director Pack.
Perfect for people who want launch a board career. Includes a board CV, LinkedIn profile, and covering letter for powerful board applications.
Sources
AICD-Sponsored content, ‘Further your Board Career with These Courses’, Australian Financial Review, https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/careers/further-your-board-career-with-these-courses-20201203-p56k59, 3/10/2020.
Governance Institute Australia, Good Governance Guide, https://web.governanceinstitute.com.au/search-results/?Keyword=good+governance+guide&ResultType=All&SortBy=Relevance
Governance Institute Australia https://web.governanceinstitute.com.au/home/
Kristine Lumante, ‘Insights and Pathways for Joining a Board of Directors’, https://www.michaelpage.com.au/advice/career-advice/career-progression/insights-and-pathways-joining-board-directors 30/11/2020.
Mike Luker, ‘Is the AICD Company Directors Course Worth the Investment?’, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/aicd-company-directors-course-worth-investment-michael-luker/, 21/05/2018.
Richard Triggs, ‘How to Build a Career as a Board Executive’, The Arete Podcast, Ep 107, 2018.
Nickolas Vokolos
02:59 21 Jun 24
I have to say I am very happy with the outcome and the way the initial interview was undertaken, and the way that Kate... worked though the process keeping me informed on the way. Kate has been great to deal with and have appreciated her insights and feedback. So overall very happy with the outcome and I have fed this back to the executive recruiter as well.read more
Bryan Swanson
01:40 21 Jun 24
It was lovely meeting you last week and after our conversation, I was confident that I have found the right team to... support and lead my business towards a brighter future.read more
Josh Andersen
03:56 07 Apr 24
I wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for your support...I thought you'd like to know I was successful in my... application and am now the new Vice President of our Australian division. I am absolutely delighted, have been to Japan twice already and am loving the new opportunities that this role is presenting me with. Thanks once again for the professionalism and support you showed me.read more
Stewart Fischer
09:34 14 Nov 23
I wanted to drop a quick note to say thank you for your support...I thought you'd like to know I was successful in my... application and am now the new Vice President of (----) Group Australia. I am absolutely delighted, have been to Japan twice already and am loving the new opportunities that this role is presenting me with. Thanks once again for the professionalism and support you showed me.read more
James Elphingstone
02:21 09 Nov 23
I’ve always got jobs through my networks and internal promotions. I’ve never had to prepare a resume and selection... criteria statement before. The team helped me develop a high quality, great looking cover letter. My LinkedIn looks great and I'm getting invited to interviews.read more
Charles
13:03 27 Oct 23
I can't say enough good things about Executive Agents. From the moment I got in touch, they offered incredible service.... I worked with Kate and Nick on my resume and had two mock interview training sessions. Their support was instrumental in landing the position I wanted. The mock interviews were a game-changer, and I can't recommend them enough. Thanks, Kate & Nick!read more
Starc
07:22 16 Oct 23
I reached out to them, they promptly responded to my inquiry and helped me fast-track my resume and cover letter for a... position that I initially thought was out of my league. Anna, the expert I had the pleasure of working with, was an absolute delight.read more
Quynhanh Phan
07:22 16 Oct 23
I Recently had the pleasure of working with Executive Agents and I can't express enough how incredible my experience... was. Right from the moment I reached out to them, their service was outstanding. Kate and Nick were the dynamic duo behind my resume and mock interview training, and I have to say, their expertise was truly instrumental in helping me secure the job I had my heart set on. The mock interview session they conducted were nothing short of a game-changer. i came out of them feeling more confident and prepared than ever before. I wholeheartedly recommend Executive Agents, and a big thanks to Kate and Nick for thier invaluable assistance!read more
izhar MaZaRi
11:58 14 Oct 23
Working with Tracy and the Executive Agents team to create my management consultant resume was a fantastic experience.... Their professionalism, industry knowledge, and exceptional service were impressive from start to finish. I'm grateful for the resume they crafted, which I believe will open doors to new opportunities. Highly satisfied!read more
Natalie Long
23:58 13 Sep 23
Executive Agents offer an incredible service right from the first contact. I engaged with them for resume development,... and followed through with two mock interview training sessions. My experience with Executive Agents resulted in me being successful for the position I was applying for. I really could not have obtained this position without their coaching and support. I particularly found the mock interview sessions incredibly helpful and imperative to putting my best foot forward. I would hands down recommend them to anyone - especially Kate & Nick. Thank you!!!read more
Alice Rae
02:48 07 Jul 23
Wonderful detailed team that have helped me so much to update me CV and Linked In to present my self in the best... possible way.Would highly recommend.read more
John MacLean
04:27 29 Jun 23
Fantastic service. Very prompt, professional, and you can tell they take great pride in their work. I'd definitely... use their services again.read more
Thomas Foo
11:12 23 May 23
I recently had the pleasure of working with Tracy and the team at Executive Agents to have my management consultant... resume prepared, and I couldn't be more impressed with the exceptional service they provided. From start to finish, they displayed professionalism, expertise, and a deep understanding of the industry. I am extremely grateful for their support in crafting a resume that will undoubtedly open doors to new opportunities.read more
Ann Verdolini
01:05 16 May 23
From start to finish, the team at Executive Agents was dedicated to ensuring that my resume accurately reflected my... skills and experience, and positioned me as a top candidate for the jobs I was interested in. Their personalized approach, exceptional writing quality and outstanding results make them a truly top-notch service.read more
Chris Serfontein
10:52 20 Mar 23
Very happy with the services received from Executive Agents. All required services was done within the promised... timelines witch helped me land my dream job. I highly recommend using Nicholas and his team to give you the edge over other candidates!read more
Helen Ward
11:55 16 Feb 23
Executive agents were professional with their expert process and the outcome exceeded my expectations and gave me... confidence to pursue worthwhile and rewarding work that ulilizes my strengths and enables me to reach my career and life goals. The branding experience and process was a significant aspect of the process. In a nutshell I am gifting this service to my daughter and husband in the future. This might be the best review, when you want loved ones to have access to the remarkable assistance you have had in securing work you love. Thankyouread more
Michael Ward
22:35 09 Nov 22
My experience with Executive Agents has been exceptional. They are very responsive and the standard of the cover... letters and CV updates and have given me the best opportunity to secure the roles I have applied for. I highly recommend Executive Agents and will continue to use their services for future roles I apply.read more
Fiona O'Donnell
09:00 02 Oct 22
Executive agents was fantastic. They responded to my inquiry within minutes and fast tracked my resume and cover letter... for a position that I thought was likely out of my reach. Anna was great to work with and was able to help me find examples within my experience. She produced a highly professional cover letter and I was offered an interview. I was so happy to get to interview stage and thanks to what was written for me I felt confident. I was offered the role the next day and am so glad I decided to work with professionals. Thanks EAread more
