Chief Information Officers
Requirements
Education and Training Requirements
High School
If you are interested in this career, you should start preparing in high school by taking college preparatory classes. Take as many computer science, mathematics, business, and English classes as possible. Speech classes are another way to improve your communication skills. You should also learn about emerging technology such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, quantum computing, and mixed reality.
Postsecondary Training
Becoming a CIO requires a solid technology background and solid understanding of business. In general, companies require their executives to have at least a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree in computer science, software engineering, information systems, information technology management, or business, and often a masters in business administration as well. The completion of an internship or co-op at an organization that has a chief information officer will also be extremely useful.
Certification
Colleges and universities, online learning platforms, and professional associations offer certificate programs in IT-related fields, business management, artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and other types of emerging technology, and other fields. These programs typically last six months to a year.
Other Education or Training
The National Association of State Chief Information Officers and the Society for Information Management (SIM) also offer continuing education opportunities. For example, SIM offers a Leadership Institute, which has the following components: Leadership Foundations; Next-Level Tech Manager Workshop; Rising Leader Forums; and Recharge, Renew, Reach. Contact these organizations for more information.
Certification, Licensing, and Special Requirements
Certification or Licensing
Although professional certification for most information systems management positions is not a requirement, certification demonstrates a high level of expertise and can increase an applicants salary and employment opportunities. CIO.com recently identified the following certifications as providing the best fuel for career advancement for IT managers:
- Certified Professional in Management
- Certified Associate in Project Management
- Certified in Governance of Enterprise IT
- Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control
- Certified Information Security Manager
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional
- Certified Information Technology Manager
- Certified ScrumMaster
- COBIT 5 Foundation
- CompTIA Network+
- CompTIA Project+
- GIAC Strategic Planning, Policy, and Leadership
- GIAC Security Leadership
- Information Technology Infrastructure Library
- Information Technology Management and Leadership Professional
- PMI Agile Certified Practitioner
- Project Management Professional
- Scaled Agile Framework Certification
- Six Sigma
- TOGAF 9
Experience, Skills, and Personality Traits
The career of chief information officer (CIO) is not an entry-level position. Large companies typically seek candidates with at least 10 to 15 years of information technology-related experience.
CIOs need excellent communication skills in order to sell their coworkers and staff on the information strategies that they devise. English, writing, and speech classes will help you hone your verbal communication skills. CIOs also need strong analytical skills. You must be able to carefully analyze a problem, consider several potential solutions, and choose the best one based on financial considerations, employer goals, and other factors. Other important traits include leadership ability, organizational skills, the ability to work well with others, and a willingness to continue to learn throughout your career.