Thank you for your interest in this program. The application deadline for this program has passed and the program's availability is limited. The Admissions Committee may consider additional applications should space become available. You may wish to consider applying to the October 1 – 4, 2025 session.
What does it take to succeed as a corporate director? For senior executives interested in joining a corporate board, preparation is key.
Preparing to be a Corporate Director dives into the unique responsibilities, dynamics, risks, and opportunities of joining a corporate board. You’ll gain critical tools and insights that enhance your readiness for corporate board service and your ability to make a lasting contribution at the highest level of an organization.
Key Program Features
Key Topics
Examine the fundamentals of corporate governance and prepare to confidently assume the role of a board director
Understand key responsibilities, including legal and fiduciary duties
Add value to an organization by overseeing its leadership and strategic direction
Balance the demands of shareholders with those of other stakeholders
Evaluate opportunities for board service and perform due diligence before joining
Develop a personal strategy for integrating board service into your career or retirement
Program Format
4
days on the HBS campus
12–15
hours of pre-program work
Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.
Who Should Attend
Senior executives interested in serving on a corporate board
Retired executives or executives preparing for retirement and considering board opportunities
C-level executives who are board-facing
Partners from audit or consulting firms
Partners and executives of private equity and venture capital firms
Nonprofit board directors who aspire to serve on corporate boards
New board members who are in small and medium-sized firms
Global Perspective
3%
Africa
2%
Asia Pacific
18%
Europe
11%
Latin America
5%
Middle East
61%
North America
Experience
Years Worked
5%
Less than 10 years
4%
10-14 years
10%
15-19 years
19%
20-24 years
23%
25-29 years
20%
30-34 years
15%
35-39 years
4%
40 or more
Education
Highest Level Attained
5%
JD/Law
2%
MD
7%
PhD
39%
MBA
18%
MS/MA
21%
BS/BA
1%
Two Years College
2%
Foreign Diploma
1%
High School Diploma
Companies That Have Participated
Accenture
Boston Consulting Group
Bacardi
Ernst & Young
General Mills
Google
HP
J.P. Morgan
Merck & Co
Microsoft
Novo Nordisk
PwC
Teaching Team
All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.
This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.
At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.
The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad
Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions
Admissions
We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.
The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.
Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.