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Careers in IT Management: Chief Information Officer
October 3, 2005
by Edward Castro
Business Programs Columnist
According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the computer information systems industry is among the fastest growing job markets. The biggest shortage for this field is qualified candidates to fill IT management positions such as Chief Information Officer.
Getting ahead in an IT career in the current market takes more than a beautiful mind for computing. The most sought after skill for IT management professionals is now an understanding of business from a technology perspective. If your ultimate goal is to become a Chief Information Officer, you'll need education, experience, and a little luck.
Education for IT Management
A position as a CIO will most likely require two degrees - one in information technology, or in a related computer science, and a second in business management. There are a number of programs, both online and traditional, that combine the two disciplines. Your best bet though is to split the process in half, first getting a degree in Information Technology, working for a number of years in an IT career, and then entering a part-time MBA program. Working while getting your second degree will allow you to develop a key skill all CIOs must have - experience in managing time and resources.
Schools With A Master of Information Technology Program
Becoming a top CIO, one that can develop a balanced IT strategy begins with choosing from among the many schools with a master of information technology program that explores technology and business in equal measure. Schools with master of information technology program teach IT professionals build upon their information technology skills through a thorough understanding of business management.
Experience: Stepping in Leadership in an IT Career
Becoming a CIO will be much easier if you have a broad range of experiences leading information technology teams. Companies looking to fill CIO positions are looking for certain traits and experiences in their candidates. In order to attract attention from decision makers, follow these tips:
- Learn to be a leader others follow. All CIOs are strong leaders with accute business sense. You can set yourself apart with a distinguished careerin information technology management.
- Even if you're not currently in IT management, volunteer for leadership roles as often as you can. An IT career with a track record of making and meeting commitments looks really good on the resume of a potential CIO.
- Be willing to attack tough problems, make difficult decisions and take risks to achieve goals. When your gambles fail, take responsibility, recover, and learn from your mistakes.
- As a CIO, you are a businessperson first, a technology leader second. Good CIOs aren't technology leaders, they're business leaders.
- To lead as a CIO you need respect from the IT groups under your direction. Respect from IT professionals comes much easier if you have enjoyed a distinguished career in information technology.
- Communicate with executives from across all departments. Discover what challenges they face in their business and find ways to use technology to help them out. Having friends in high places always helps you reach your goals no matter how lofty.
- Know the bottom line and familiarize yourself with your companies finances. The primary goal of any business is making money, and if you don't understand how money is made and spent, you can forget about becoming your company's CIO.
The Ultimate Career in Information Technology
The path to becoming a CIO isn't easy. It will take you years to develop the experiences, skills and education that a good CIO must possess. The last piece of the puzzle though is opportunity. Follow these simple tips and when that opportunity comes along, the position will come looking for you.
About the Author
Edward Castro has an extensive experience as a creative media writer. His client portfolio has included such notables as Hewlett-Packard, Sony Computer Entertainment, Shockwave, AtomFilms, GameBlast and Mervyn's California. In his current position, Ed is developing the marketing strategy of an Internet start-up company specializing in Japanese trade goods.
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