I did not grow up dreaming about being on an executive board; I actually did not know what an e-board was before coming to college.
I did not have a five-year leadership plan. I did not feel “ready.” In fact, I joined the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) e-board because of a last-minute nomination. And it changed my life.
If you are even slightly considering running for an e-board position in any club, here are the things I genuinely wish someone had told me.
1. They’re Just Students. Passion > Experience.
This might sound obvious, but it wasn’t to me.
Before joining the e-board, I imagined executive boards as these hyper-qualified, ultra-polished, born-leader types. People who had done everything, knew everything, and never doubted themselves.
They’re just students.
Yes, some have experience. Yes, some seem confident. But most of them are figuring it out in real time. The difference isn’t some magical resume line — it’s passion.
Experience can be taught. Systems can be learned. Emails can be drafted and redrafted. Passion? That’s the fuel. If you care about the mission of a club, that already makes you more qualified than you think.
2. A Last-Minute “Why Not?” Can Change Everything.
I joined the SWE e-board because someone nominated me and I thought, “Okay… why not?” It was not a strategic move. It was not calculated. It was impulsive.
And it became one of the most transformative decisions I’ve made in college.
E-board didn’t just give me a title. It gave me confidence I didn’t know I had, real leadership experience (not just group projects), professionalism that translated into internships and interviews, and the ability to navigate institutional systems.
Depending on the club, you suddenly learn how to work with administrators, plan large-scale events and logistics, write formal proposals, speak publicly, and most importantly, handle conflict/manage people.
You start understanding how your university actually works — the behind-the-scenes systems most students never see.
That exposure alone is priceless.
3. It’s Way More Rewarding Than You Think.
This is the part I truly did not expect. I assumed e-board would feel like work. Another responsibility. Another thing on my plate. But it never feels like a chore.
There is something surreal about mentoring someone and watching them grow because you introduced them to this side of campus. Seeing someone find community because of an event you planned. Watching a first-year student become confident enough to run for leadership.
It’s insane.
It’s not just “club stuff.” It’s impact.
You stop thinking about yourself and start thinking about building something bigger, and that shift alone changes you.
4. Just Nominate Yourself.
Let’s talk about nominations. Everyone self-nominates. Everyone.
You are not “cocky” for putting your name down. You are not overstepping. You are not being dramatic. Put your name in. If you change your mind, you can remove it later. That door is open. But you usually can’t add your name after the deadline. That’s the part people forget.
The risk of embarrassment is tiny. The risk of missing out on something that could transform your college experience? Much bigger.
5. You Will Become Better — Period.
E-board will stretch you. You will learn to communicate better. You will learn to handle uncomfortable conversations. You will learn how to advocate for yourself and others. You will become more polished without even realizing it. It turns you into a better version of yourself.
Not perfect. Not fearless. Just better. And the best part? You’re still “just a student” while doing it.
So if you’re thinking about it—even a little—this is your sign.
Just do it.
Nominate yourself. Take the chance. Figure it out along the way.
You might look back and realize it changed everything.
