How to Build Your Personal Board of Directors (Even as an Intern)
I’m the author and designer of the Microsoft intern workshops this year that are being delivered globally so I thought I would share some helpful tips.
Hi, I’m Amber—and I’m the author and designer behind the new mentorship and Board of Directors workshops being delivered globally this year. While these sessions were originally created for Microsoft interns, the tips inside are useful for any intern, early-career professional, or honestly… any human who wants to grow.
Over the years, I’ve built my own board through ER visits, career pivots, and bold leaps. And I’ll tell you this: the people who walk with you matter more than the titles they carry.
So here are the takeaways we shared with interns—adapted for you.
Start with Mentorship
Mentorship can accelerate your growth—but only if you show up with intention.
Mentors aren’t there to impress you or fix everything. They’re there to walk alongside you. To challenge you. To reflect things you might not see yet.
The best mentees do three things well:
Come prepared with a specific question or goal
Take initiative—don’t wait to be told
Follow up with updates, not just thank-yous
Here’s what doesn’t work:
“Tell me everything about your career.”
Here’s what does:
“I’m navigating [this situation] and would love to know how you’ve approached something similar.”
And please, follow up.
Even a short message like:
“I appreciated your advice on taking stretch roles—I’m volunteering for one this week.”
…shows maturity and momentum.
Bonus points if it’s handwritten. Seriously. It hits different.
Your Personal Board of Directors
Mentorship is one piece. But what if you had a whole circle of support?
That’s the idea behind your Personal Board of Directors.
Just like companies have Boards to provide outside perspective, feedback, and strategic direction—you can build your own group of humans to help guide your growth.
It won’t be formal. It won’t meet quarterly.
But it will evolve. And it will matter.
Here are the six roles used to help people map their board, you should consider finding these people for your board. Truly.
Mentor – Shares wisdom and insight
Coach – Asks powerful questions to unlock your thinking
Feedback Provider – Gives honest input, kindly and directly
Sponsor – Advocates for you when you’re not in the room
Challenger – Expects more and helps you rise
Opportunity Connector – Opens doors you didn’t even know existed
Early on, we recommend focusing on just three:
Mentor
Coach
Feedback Provider
If you’re not sure where to start, ask yourself:
Who do I go to when I’m unsure?
Who gives me honest feedback, not just a cheerleader response?
That’s the beginning of your board.
A Few Things I Tell Interns (That You Should Hear Too)
Your board will change. Some people are in your life for a season. Others, for the long haul. That’s normal.
You don’t build it all at once. One connection leads to the next.
You don’t need to ask someone to be your mentor. Just be intentional. Be specific. Be real.
You’re not bothering people. A thoughtful message is often received as a gift.
Do great work. Be consistent. That’s how sponsors notice—and that’s how trust is built.
Takeaway Challenge
Pick one person.
Someone you admire. Someone who could play one of these roles.
Send the message.
Ask the question.
Take the step.
You don’t build your board overnight.
You build it conversation by conversation, relationship by relationship.
Stay curious.
Stay open.
Stay you.
And remember—you’re not meant to build your career alone.
Feel free to share this with others!