Corporate Career Success – How to Become CEO
For many people the ultimate success in a corporate career is to reach the most senior position in the corporate ladder, which is typically accompanied by a C-level title: CFO, CIO, CMO, COO, and, the top company title of CEO. Reaching the top job in the corporate world requires many years of experience and several qualities and skills such as leadership, communication skills, charisma, financial acumen and a strong understanding of the business. The only exception to this rule is when an entrepreneur, who usually has a completely different set of skills, launches a successful business venture and becomes the CEO. However, most successful entrepreneurs recognize that in order to run the company effectively and continue growing they need to hire a professional CEO.
In the days of the internet bubble, many young people, sometimes straight out of college, sought the top C-Level jobs at a startup dot-com. A few of the startup companies recognized that in order to survive they needed to hire professional business managers, or “adult supervision”.  Others were managed by kids who kept on spending their venture capital on lavish parties and never made any money. We know how that story ends.
For those taking a more traditional career path in the corporate world, you too can become a CEO someday. There was a time when that position was reserved for a privileged few, usually from a wealthy family background, an Ivy League degree and the right political contacts. Today, for the most part, the top chiefs get to their position through merit, that is, their ability to lead, achieve results and influence people at that level. There are no secrets to reaching the top position in a corporation, but if you are serious about pursuing the top position, you need to educate yourself. The best way to find out how to become the boss at the top is to learn from those that have already achieved that goal.
Before we further discuss learning how to become the chief, let’s define a few terms. The CEO title stands for Chief Executive Officer, and it is the common way in corporate America to describe the individual who is responsible for managing all the other executives in the company and who is ultimately accountable for achieving company results. The title of President is usually redundant with CEO, and is also used to describe the head of the company, but it has special legal meanings that are significant. For instance, banks require the President to sign certain legal papers. In many countries the President, who can also be called Managing Director, or sometimes Executive Director, holds the top job.
There can be many chiefs in the company, but they all report to the CEO. Some of the most common titles include Chief Operating Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Information Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Legal Officer. To make it a bit confusing, sometimes the Chief Operation Officer is also the President. The COO is responsible for carrying out the operations of the company, and in these situations the CEO is more focused on developing the company strategy and dealing with the outside world. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is responsible for the company’s financial statements, but in many cases CFOs carry a broader set of responsibilities, including administration, legal, strategic planning, human resources and computer systems. With the increasing role of information technology in company strategies, the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO) has become more common and gained more clout among executives.
The best way to get a firm understanding of what you need to do to reach the top job in your functional area, or even the CEO job, is to learn from those that have already reached those jobs. Before you become a chief, you need to start thinking and acting like one.  Many employees get too focused on their own part of the work and don’t get to understand the business as a whole. They think it is their bosses’ responsibilities to understand what is happening at the next level above them. This is a big mistake. You should attempt to learn as much as you can from your boss and try to understand what problems he (used generically here for both genders) is trying to deal with on a daily basis. Then try to help your boss achieve his goals and solve his problems.
Don’t be afraid to reach out to the chief, including the CEO. CEOs are just folks like you and me. They come in all shapes and forms, have different personalities, different education and backgrounds. Some are nicer, warmer, more honest, and more down-to-earth than others. Some have come from wealthier backgrounds, but others started from scratch and built their careers one step at a time. But most importantly, they are all human.
If you are too far down the corporate ladder to have an opportunity to interact with the CEO or even the top officer in your functional area, you can still learn by reading about them. If you want to learn more about CEOs, I would recommend the book How to Think Like a CEO
- Â
- Secure in self
- In control of attitude
- Tenacious
- Continuously Improving
- Honest and Ethical
- Thinking before talking
- Original
- Publicly modest
- Aware of style
- Gutsy / A little wild
- Humorous
- A tad theatrical
- Detail oriented
- Good at their job and willing to lead
- Fighters for their people
- Willing to admit mistakes, yet unapologetic
- Straightforward
- Nice
- Inquisitive
- Competitive
- Flexible
- Good Storytellers
Notice that the first item on the list is secure in self. Being confident is extremely important in anything that we do in life. One common characteristic of chiefs is that they have more self-confidence than most other people. So how do you build enough self-confidence to reach the top job? Through small victories.
Most chiefs have had many successes in previous positions of lesser responsibility. This does not mean that they never failed. Much to the contrary, they learned from their mistakes and carried those lessons with them so that that they wouldn’t make the same mistake again. If you are going to make a mistake, it is better to make it early when the consequences of your mistakes do not have as large an impact as when you are the CEO. Jack Welch, the famous ex-CEO at General Electric was very aware of the importance of building self-confidence is his subordinates. He has written and lectured about giving high potential employees an opportunity to get additional responsibility and build enough confidence to take on the next job in the corporate hierarchy. Many of the CEOs of the largest companies in America came from GE, where they had a chance to hone their skills and build their self-confidence.
We will cover self-confidence extensively in the Personal Development section of Worldwide Success, so be sure to also check the article is that category.Â
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Comment by sarah walraven on 2007-04-25:
i want to become a CEO
Comment by WWS on 2007-04-25:
Sarah,
A good place to star is to develop the traits above. Good luck.
Comment by Daniel Moreira Viotte on 2007-07-11:
Site muito bom, pois ajuda quem tem metas e objetivos a continuar um caminho dificil e competitivo, que é de um dia ser um CEO muito requisitado no mercado de trabalho. Grato.
Comment by Jeanette on 2007-07-26:
I am a Financial Advisor with Morgan Stanley. I have my BA in Business Administration with a concentration in Management. I know it will be better to get my MBA. My question is, diid I choose the right major to become a CEO?Confidence I have without a dought. What more do I need?
Comment by NarayananK on 2007-07-31:
can you pl. send me some of the success stories of Important CEO’s
Comment by WWS on 2007-07-31:
Jeanette,
I think getting an MBA will help with your goal of becoming a CEO, specially if you can get into an Ivy League school. However, I think your undergraduate major is really not all that relevant to the CEO position.
Comment by WWS on 2007-07-31:
Narayanank,
You will find great CEO stories in the book recommended in the article.
Comment by simba on 2007-09-08:
Im currenltly a freshman majoring in math and a minor in accounting.I want to be a ceo one day after i graduate and i want to know if i am in the right track before its too late..
Comment by WWS on 2007-09-10:
Simba,
First of all, your undergraduate major will probably have little effect on your ability to become a CEO. A science or business major is just fine. At an undergraduate level what is most important to do well in school. In graduate school, pursuing a MBA from a top university will probably be more influential in becoming a CEO, but even that is not as critical as many of the other factors discussed in this article.
Comment by bacha on 2007-11-24:
hi,
i must say that this is a very helpful article, kudos to the writer. I have a question though, i am currently in high school and being at the top has always been one of my dreams. I am planning to get an engineering degree and then an MBA. So do i have the right idea or am i taking the wrong path because many people suggested to me to get a undergraduate business degree instead of engineering but considering ur article and other ppl’s comments it seems that it doesn’t matter what undergraduate degree a person gets. thankx
Comment by WWS on 2007-11-25:
bacha,
I think an engineering undergraduate degree will give you a great foundation for your career, especially if followed with a MBA degree.
Comment by christian on 2008-01-24:
I too am interested in what it takes to be a CEO. I have an BS in engineering, an associates in a medical related discipline, and am currently finishing up a MA in International Relations. In my case, with only 5 years of work experience, where do I go from here? I realize diversity is good in some instances, but what is too much? Also, how do you actively pursue a CEO position? Other than networking, how can one position themselves to even be considered for such a position?
Comment by Jon Howard on 2008-03-24:
Great essential email. I was appalled when I read the information provided. I am personally going to take all of this information very serious and begin incorporating it into my managerial skills. I am a freshman in college double majoring Marketing and International Business with a minor in Mangement. I do have a question however, I am wondering if I should make International Business my minor and take up a stronger focus in Management and leadership. I am an intern for the Aldi Corporation and I have a passion to learn as much as possible during the course of my internship and work my way through the coporate ladder while learning as much as possible as well and building my abilities to lead others as I have demostrated in my past and still currently do so. I’m once again excited and inspired after viewing the information on this website. Thank You Very Much,
Jon Howard
Comment by WWS on 2008-03-24:
Jon,
I think what you are doing is fine. You may also want to consider an MBA at some point in your career, so don’t worry so much about getting all your business subjects perfectly right in your undergrad studies.
Comment by Ara Artin on 2008-04-22:
I have a lot of high level experience and yet I have not been able to get a suitable position that suits me.
Non of the recruiters in the region are able to get me something that I really want…
Anyone out there who has some connections and needs someone in a senior position?
Comment by M.Ashraf Ali on 2008-06-23:
i am student of MBA. i want to become CEO in corporate world pls advice me some valuable skill and knowldge of business. how can enhance my skill and knowldge. pls give me a comperhension answer.
Comment by Diego Perez on 2008-07-29:
I got my undergraduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering and I’m pursuing my Master in Management Engineering in order to be a more key player in my company’s projects. I just joined the Logistics department and I have learned so much about our products, budgeting, planning and product management. With this experience and my master’s on the way, do I fit the characteristics of becoming a C-level employee or more if I keep pushing within my firm or should I jump jobs?
Comment by WWS on 2008-07-29:
Diego,
If you are making good progress in your job, growing and learning you are likely on your way to success and there is no reason to switch jobs. Becoming a C-level executive will require vision, leadership and many of the traits shared in the article. Keep honing these skills and you will likely succeed.
Comment by Miguel Venegas on 2008-08-01:
I am an undergraduate student, so far I completed most of the general courses but, I still haven’t decided in what part of business should I major. I was also thinking in having a minor in Psychology. What major usually lead to be able to become a CEO? I was thinking in choosing business administration with a concentration on finances. Should I keep this one? I heard that a major in Marketing also works well. Please some advise. By the way, great article.
Comment by WWS on 2008-08-01:
Miguel,
When it comes to becoming a CEO your undergraduate major is not as important as developing the traits discussed in the article. From an education standpoint I think the best advice is to focus on getting excellent grades as an undergrad and then complement it with an MBA from a top school.
Comment by MARUF on 2008-08-03:
I want to become a CEO.in recent days i am doing my chemical engineering bsc.am i on the right track and what plan should i take like taking a mba after undergraduate.please give a suitable advice
Comment by Noel Martin on 2008-09-19:
For the past few months, I’ve been searing information about the Corporate world and find it very interesting. My goal, is to become a CEO, or a COO. I just need more information on what degree you should get, the right schools, and the jobs you should take before reaching the top stop. If anyone can email me, at inoel.marie@yahoo.com, I’d be so happy if you did. Thanks ~
Comment by Kat on 2008-09-27:
I’m currently in my last year in high school and for my college plans, I plan to major in business maganment. Will this be good if my goal is to become a C.E.O. one day??
Comment by Naveen Mittal on 2008-09-29:
Very insightful post. CEO is the ultimate manifestation of a successful leader in corporate world.
Comment by James Paterson on 2008-09-29:
Hi,
Good article very helpful, I am currently working as a quantity surveyor for a construction company in the UK. I have recently finished a BSc in Quantity Surveying and have begun an MSc in Construction Law. I am a member of all the right professional bodies. I am interested in getting to the top within an international firm but staying within my comfort zone (construction or quantity surveying) and wanted to know how you go about getting yourself in a position to apply for such jobs. I have looked into an MBA at London Business School which is apparently better than Harvard for MBA’s but it is 50k! Do you think I really need this?
Comment by ahmed on 2008-10-07:
i’m a student in high school i really want to pursue a career in business but i’m also intrested of becoming a ceo some and i want to know if anyone out there could send if some in formation on the steps i could take and can you send me a list of schools i could attend please i really need this as soon as possible thank you please help
contact me at this email (free2have1god@yahoo.com) or call me cell phone number (973)688-9792 please im serious about my career thank you
Comment by WWS on 2008-10-11:
Ahmed,
The traits listed in this article are not typically taught in school. Frankly, developing the skills above is more important than the school you attend. Having said that, pursuing an MBA from an Ivy League school such as Harvard, Stanford, U of Pennsylvania, etc. will increase your chances of becoming a CEO due to the networks and friendships you will develop in these schools.
Comment by Luis on 2008-10-19:
This is stupid. The title is misleading.
This does not explain to me how to actually become a CEO. It just explains the traits of a CEO. No where in this post does it describe what academic requirements, degrees, and level of education are necessary to obtain such positions.
Are you writing for search engines or for your readers?
Don’t get me wrong, the post is great, but it’s not appropriate for the title it was given.
I can have all the traits described here, and I will NOT get a CEO position, without the necessary degrees in the proper fields.
Extremely misleading title.
Comment by WWS on 2008-10-20:
Luis,
If you are looking for a magic formula for becoming a CEO, like a particular education or degree, I am sorry to disappoint you, but there is no such thing. Many people think that becoming a CEO is about getting a particular education – the whole point of the article is to point out that in order to become a CEO you have to develop traits that are not necessarily taught in school. What you need to know to become a CEO you learn by progressively gaining experience and obtaining additonal level of responsibility.
Comment by bob on 2008-10-28:
I want to to become a CEO, but im not quite sure which degree to pursue in Buisines, but i was thinking Sales and Marketing. Is that the right way?
Comment by sasi on 2008-11-04:
I have a masters degree in Che engineering and shifted to IT and been in consulting job for 10 years. I have ambition to become CEO, looking at the 22 traits main things I am lacking are 1 3 and 9. Rest I can improve on. Being an aerage student from a average University I would be competing people of my level + average people of top schools + top graders of average school . The competetion is 3 fold. What is the the chance?
Comment by WWS on 2008-11-04:
Bob,
Any business degree should be fine.
Sasi,
I would worry more about developing the traits above than your grades or school.
Comment by JC on 2008-11-11:
Hi all,
Im a recent graduate with an Engineering degree in Aerospace Engineering with a specialization in Business Management Science. My plan is to follow this up, after a few years of work experience, with an MBA in the best school (Ivy league) that will admit me and which I can afford.
Now, lets assume I already have all the 22 traits listed above (and Im not saying I currently do, but plan to someday), and I finish my MBA at the age of 28, what is the shortest route I can follow to become a CEO?
I understand that there is no magic formula, but knowing that you have the skill set and the education required and still being made to follow the beaten path is very frustrating! Why does age/experience matter when all that is required is the ability and skill required for the job?
Comment by WWS on 2008-11-11:
JC,
Businesses are conservative entities and that is one reason why experience is important. Take a look at the following article:
http://ww-success.com/blog/index.php/2008/01/14/how-to-become-ceo-ceo-factories/
Getting a job with one of the companies listed may be a good start.
Comment by Amar Tiwary on 2008-11-23:
Hello Gents,
I am project control engineer (BE,Mech Engg +MBA (distance learning)) in mid 20’s.
I have accuired basic skills to sustain and to proof better that others.
My ambition is to work in design,estimation and finance and finally to become a CEO of company.
How do i initiate? Can you please send some of the CEO success stories?
Kind Regards,
Amar Tiwary
Project Control Cost & Planning
Fluor Global Corp.
Comment by WWS on 2008-11-23:
Amar,
Focus on developing the 22 vital traits listed in the post. Look at the list of related posts above or do a search using keywords on the upper right hand side for CEO success stories.
Comment by John D on 2008-11-30:
Hey, I am really confused in selecting my major but I have dream of working as a leader in a Finance related field. Is it a good option to have a undergrad in aerospace Engineering with a minor in management or accounting and an MBA. Or I shall go for Finance major during my undergraduation.
Comment by promotional mugs on 2008-12-04:
Article gives vital information for high ranking career buildings. The tips which we came to know from article are very useful, even for good personalities. Everyone wants to achieve high career and myself too. Let me read the book on how to think about CEO.
Comment by Michael on 2008-12-17:
Hi, I found this article to be very important and informative as a foundation to succeed in the goal to becoming a CEO. I plan to Major in Business Management and minor in Communication Skills. Do you think this is a good foundation for becoming a CEO in the future. P.S. I also plan to develop the 22 traits and obtain my MBA from a prestigious school in the future. Thank you for your time.
Comment by Lokesh Gupta on 2008-12-18:
Thanx a lot for motivating me.actully from these all ques. of frnds i got my all answers.
thanx a lot
Comment by aparupa biswas on 2008-12-27:
hi..i am pursuing a b.tech degree in biotech. and my future wish is to become the ceo of a very known and well established company…so i am confused whether to go for an mba or m.tech.??or both?can u sugegst me a posibble futuristic decision which can lead me to this position?.because ceo is a quite a high position
Comment by Michael A on 2009-01-22:
Hello,
I am 22 and have a BS and 3 Executive Improvement Certificates from Notre Dame (Mendosa). I am confident that with hard work and dedication i can achieve an Executive position. Is Notre Dame Mendoza College of Business considered a top school to obtain an MBA.
Comment by WWS on 2009-01-23:
Michael,
There are many fine MBA schools out there, including Notre Dame. Ivy League schools will give you the best shot at a CEO job, but short of that, it really does not make that much difference.
Comment by Nikhil Sudrik on 2009-03-14:
Hi,
Currently i am in my final year of bca , which i am pursueing from Deemed University of pune will it affect in anyways of my ambition to become a CIO as i am in IT field i want to become a CIO , from which college/University should i do my MBA.pls suggest
Comment by WWS on 2009-03-14:
Nikhil,
An MBA from an Ivy League school is a good choice.
Comment by Bill on 2009-04-22:
There are some really good points in this article, but I have to ask: what career path will lead you to CEO?
So many people I know are caught in jobs that lead to “glass ceilings.” But what job, or jobs should comprise a career path in order to be a positive candidate for CEO?
Comment by WWS on 2009-04-22:
Bill,
There are many career paths that can lead to CEO. If you want to be CEO of a financial firm, a financial career would be very helpful; if you want to be CEO of a technology company a technical background would be helpful, and so on and so forth.
Comment by ahmet aldanmaz on 2009-05-05:
perfect essential email.i am going to start university of toronto on september and planning on taking industrial engineering as well as management.what i am wondering is that do you think my major choices are suitable in order to become a ceo? or do you think i should select another major for my future career?and could you pls tell me what steps i should follow? i will be really appriciated if you help me out and give me advice..thanks
Comment by Dani O. on 2009-05-12:
I think that this article is very important for teenagers who think that they could never be this. It gives a good understandment of what it actually is and many young kids what to be a CEO just because of the money but its much more than that. im just wondering could a woman really be a CEO because you never really hear about it as much.
Comment by Rodrigo on 2009-06-07:
Achei muito interessante esse artigo falando de como se tornar um grande executivo e que foca na auto-confiança. Ele dá motivação e uma visão geral de como chegar lá e que não é nenhum sonho impossÃvel de ser realizado desde que tenha incessante vontade de vencer e dedicação. Pois só assim você será um Executivo que terá uma visão “adulta” e não de uma “criança”como diz no artigo.
OBS: Tenha grandes objetivos e depois de conquistá – los não se esqueça da HUMILDADE.
Obrigado.
Comment by Don on 2009-07-20:
hi, i am a ceo and i got a degree in buisness and that was really helpful. it did take a good couple of years experience at my company though
Comment by keerthi on 2009-08-07:
very helpful to people who cant get their goals to reality from dreams……..
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Comment by David on 2009-08-14:
Right foot…Left foot…Attention! Cool Article!
Comment by Craig on 2009-09-14:
I want to become a CEO, I am currently studying a degree in ICT at university!
Comment by Michael on 2009-09-21:
With all due respect to the students who posted above, but being a CEO has less to do with academics and more to do with just making money for the company and getting things done. Corporate boards want people who can make money for the company (industry), or have a track record of performance in that area. Boards want people who can think outside of the box and do things not everyone is willing to do to get things accomplished. This explains why there are some CEO’s who have PhDs from Harvard and others who are college drop-outs.
Comment by Cody Norris on 2009-09-29:
I am selling Cutco knives and already got accepted to be a branch or division manager next year. My goals are to one day become a CEO but i want to grow as a person and expand my capacities along the way. I just graduated high school this year and I am already a sophmore in college paying for it all out of my own pocket. I was needed some assistance in what i need to do for a degree that will help me the most.
Comment by WWS on 2009-09-30:
Cody,
In reality a degree is only a small factor in your ability to reach the CEO level. One advice I would give is to pursue an undergraduate degree in a field that you enjoy, and get the best grades possible. Then get an MBA in the best school you can get acccepted in.
Comment by carlos on 2009-10-05:
what do you think is the best undergrad degree you can get in buisness to start off on the right track?
Comment by WWS on 2009-10-05:
Carlos,
As discussed in many of the comments above, your undergrad degree really does not matter all that much – follow your passion.
Comment by Kumar Ishan on 2009-10-09:
I have done my B.Sc.(nautical science) & MBA(shipping & port management)from a top B-school.Am I eligible & enogh educated to become the CEO of a shipping company someday if I have all the 22 traits.
Comment by WWS on 2009-10-09:
Kumar,
You may be. The best way to find out is to work your way up with a shipping company.
Comment by Kumar Ishan on 2009-10-10:
Is working for the same company in management cadre for which I sailed for 8 years more beneficial?? To work with another company will have any impact for becoming the CEO?
Comment by Ishan on 2009-10-10:
Can I become the CEO of a company other than a shipping company?
Comment by WWS on 2009-10-10:
Kumar,
It is hard to say, because it depends on so many other factors. Sometimes it is better to stay with the same company, but sometimes it makes sense to join another company so you can move up. CEO level skills sometimes can be leveraged across industries, but in certain situations it is better to stay in the same industry.
Comment by emmett on 2009-11-07:
I’m a bachelor of engineering, and quite interested in obtaining a CEO position one day. In addition, i am also planning to get an MBA sooner. My question is, can a bachelor degree in engineering which later on continue a postgrad in MBA have a chance in getting the top position as a CEO compared to others graduate such as accounts, economy, marketing etc. Thanks.
Comment by WWS on 2009-11-07:
Emmett,
As explained in many of the comments above, the degree you get as an undergraduate has very little influence in your ability to become a CEO. Engineering is an excellent degree, but it really does not matter whether you graduate in enginering, accounting, economics, or libeal arts for that matter. The traits listed in the article are a lot more important than your degree when it comes to becoming a CEO, and you are not going to learn those traits in school.
Comment by John.Smith on 2009-11-10:
WWS,
I am striving to excel in the business world, however, I made the “mistake”- and I use this term very loosely – of becoming a combat pilot in the US Air Force. I have an undergrad in Management, and am working on a Masters from the number 1 supply chain program in the coutry(PSU), but all that aside, I agree that personality and individual ability has far more to do with your potential, and I fear that my extensive time in the military will put me behind my peers who have worked in companies rather than in the military…I hope this is not the case, and I feel that leadership in combat has significant, and obvious, advantages over leadership in the boardroom, but I feel that my future supervisors and mentors will not share this opinion. Please give me your opinion on the matter and let me know if my military experience has put me behind the power curve.
Sincerely
“John”
Comment by WWS on 2009-11-10:
John,
I have seen many people with a military background in leadership positions in the business world. I don’t think it is necessarily a negative, a lot of it depends on how you position it.
Comment by Raquel on 2009-11-25:
I am currently a freshman in high school and my dad told me to look at this page he says I have many of the traits listed above and that I should pursue this career I have no problem with that but what are the steps you have to take in order to be a CEO? and what kind of degree should I get?
Comment by WWS on 2009-11-25:
Raquel,
Unless you are an entrepreneur, you will have to prove yourself in the corporate world by gaining additional responsibilities as you climb to higher levels. The degree you get is really not all that important – getting an MBA from a top Ivy League school may be a plus, but it won’t guarantee a CEO position.
Comment by Wally on 2009-11-30:
First I would like to say this is a great article, poeple need to understand that you have to want it and want it bad then work for it. Leadership gives people in any organization a direction or a way to do things right! Need to be a sharp thinker, look your best, and of course be an inventor.
Is their any other books or audio Cd’s that you reccommend to help me with my goals of becoming a top executive?
“Leaders are not born,their made”…If you really want to become a CEO of a company you can, plant the seed in your head and your dream will come true!
Comment by hernan on 2009-12-01:
i too want to become a CEO, i am a junior in high school and i am also taking colleg classes, and my dagree pathway is business administartion, i hope to get up there, maybe not soon but i hope so!
Comment by Arunkumar on 2009-12-02:
Hi am a b-tech graduate presently I want 2 assure a secure post of CEO. So try 2 snd me some successful stories of how 2 become a CEO.
Comment by J Walks Again on 2009-12-03:
I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments, but the one thing that I have not heard about is international work experience. I am 23 years old and just graduated from Cal-State San Bernardino with a degree in Information Technology. I would like to get my MBA–perhaps in something more practical than IT like finance or marketing, and eventually get a PHD in one of the sciences (though the PHD would really be for my own gratification). Anyway, I am currently working in the country of Ethiopia as an ICT consultant/Systems Analyst/Programmer. How will my international work experience effect my chances of becoming a CEO. What I mean is, is there a right way of doing it? I speak three languages: English (fluent) Chinese(conversant) and Amharic–the language of Ethiopia (Basic). I would also like to learn Japanese and Yoruba.
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-03:
J Walks,
I don’t know that there is a “right way” to get international experience. Just the fact that you speak several languages and is gaining international work experience is very positive for your career.
Comment by J Walks Again on 2009-12-04:
Is there a such thing as too much international experience? I have heard that if you plan on working in business, you should only work abroad for a year and then sew some roots somewhere. Advice on this would help. Also, does an MBA help?
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-04:
I don’t think there is an issue with too much international experience. What you may have heard is that if you are away from the main office for a long time, you become less visible and may not be top of mind when it comes to promotional opportunities. Regarding an MBA, it is definetely a plus, specially if you can get into an Ivy league school.
Comment by Jack on 2009-12-09:
I would like to become a CEO. I am only a freshman in college but I have extremely high ambitions. I have many traits on the aforementioned list but I have one question: I plan to major in History and minor in Business, and there is a fast track MBA program at my school, Stony Brook University. Is this fast track MBA a good idea, or is it better to apply to a separate graduate school and go the full course?
Comment by hanna jung on 2009-12-09:
I am currently in the last few months of my highschool career and heading off to college. i am going to attend the university of arlington for the next four years of my undergraduate as an accounting major. and undecided if i should do a double minor in something else such as manangement or psychology. personally i have been dedicated to the medical field since my freshman year in high school taking biology anatomy and some other science related classes and psychology. but this year i have decided to go for the buisness field because i have realized i am not suitable to become a physician, pharmacist etc. due to the lack of knowledge and passion in science. i have also talked to an intern of a hospital CEO and been around the buisness aspect since i was born since my parents are entrepeuners themselves. i read all the blogs above and i know you said undergraduate doesn’t matter as long as you do good in school. but can i get into harvard from going to the university of texas at arlignton because no matter how good i do here this school is accredited to be known as a “dumb and easy” school . please email me back ! thank you .
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-09:
Jack,
Education is a very small part of the CEO equation. Having said that, short of getting an Ivy League MBA, how you go about getting your MBA should not really matter.
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-09:
Hanna,
Harvard will likely look at many factors, not just the school you go to.
Comment by hanna on 2009-12-09:
thank you for responding so quickly. i know that nothing is just given to me without trying im just afraid i may be rejected from such ivy leagues because.. lets say i try really hard in college but im not the brightest of the bunch if you know what i mean. and when i read the other blogs it says that an accounting major is the not the most best track to become a CEO can you give me some hints on what majors may reflect my talents to become a CEO? if so, more like what kind of major i should go for? the reason im becoming a CPA is for the love of organizing, math, and being precise.
if i have repeated any of my previous questions i am sorry. i am just so lost at what i should do but determined to set my mind for what i want.
hanna
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-12:
Hanna,
In my opinion your undergraduate major is not a deciding factor in determining your chances of one day becoming a CEO. I don’t know who is saying that accounting is not the best track to become a CEO, but I wouldn’t pay too much attention to anyone who says one major is better than another. In a financial company someone with a financial background is more likely to become CEO. In an engineering company, an engineer is more likely to become a CEO. In a consumer products company, someone with a marketing background may have a better chance of becoming the CEO. But the key words here are “likely” and “may”. There are so many factors that go into chosing a CEO, that you really can’t say for certain that this or that area of study or background is best. One thing I can tell you is that it is very unlikely that a board of directors would disqualify someone from becoming a CEO because he/she chose to study accounting as an undergrad.
My advice is this: follow your heart, do what you love, and try to be the very best in whatever field of study you choose.
Comment by Abdullah on 2009-12-16:
Hi,
I am an Eletronics and Comm Engineer. I have devoted initial years in Technical Field of Telecom but gradually moved to Sales and Marketing, thinking this would be path towards CEO and devoted enough time in it. Currently, I am heading a region accountable for business in few countries in Mid-East for an Indian MNC. Through the years I have realised that the career path through finance will lead me to CEO faster and so am planning to make a major shift in my career to Corporate Finance. I am planning for MBA (Fin) and CFA (US) to move ahead. Please advise and comment.
Thanks,
Comment by @aj on 2009-12-16:
hi WWS,
I have done my b.tech in computer science. But it took 6 years for me to complete my graduation.Now i have 2years of work experience in Procurement & ERP field as an associate.Now i want to become a CEO someday or other in my life. I even planning to do my MBA also.But i cant decide to go with trade. Can you please suggest me. And does by b.tech affect my career?
Please advice.
Thanks,
@AJ
Comment by Daniela on 2009-12-16:
I’m a freshman majoring in biology right now and I dream of someday of becoming a CEO. Is it possible to become a CEO if I am a bio major with a minor in business or management?
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-16:
Abdullah,
I am not sure why you feel that a career path through Finance would lead to a CEP position faster, but you are in the best position to make that determination. An MBA is always a good option.
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-16:
@AJ,
I am not sure what you mean by “i cant decide to go with trade”. Regarding you question about whether b.tech affects your career, I am assuming b.tech is a bachelor’s degree? As discussed in many of the comments above, your bachelor’s degree is not a deciding factor in determining your chances of one day becoming a CEO.
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-16:
Daniela,
Please review the comments above where I have repeatedly stated that your bachelor’s degree is not a deciding factor in determining your chances of one day becoming a CEO.
Comment by @aj on 2009-12-17:
Hi WWS,
yeah it is bachelor’s degree.I want to know which trade in MBA ll help me to do better in my career.As i told you earlier am working on ERP& Procurement Systems.So can you now suggest me which trade in MBA ll help me in achieving my goal.
THANKS,
@aj
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-17:
@aj,
As with a bachelors degree, the area of concentration in your MBA will not be a deciding factor in your pursuit of a CEO position. I would suggest taking up the area that you are most interested in.
Comment by Adil H.Saban on 2009-12-19:
hi first of all i enjoyed the artical and its helpful tips that widened my horizon. And the comments and its care to details responds, i sure enjoyed reading and learning, thank you. But i would like to comment on the part where you talk about start-up dot.com where young ppl pursuit the C-level and end in failur. I am studing BA business information system and would like to straight after uni to start-up dot.com company as a CEO I am not a computer engineer or marketing guru. I just have an idea with a vision and impatient to be a general manager Any comments and tips thank you
Comment by WWS on 2009-12-19:
Adil,
Thanks for your comments. There is nothing wrong with wanting to do a start-up dot com, as long as you understand the risks and is fully aware of the difficulties associated with building a successful dot com company. The problem that many people ran into in the late nineties and early 2000s is that they did not pay attention to the fundamentals of business and somehow fell into the trap of thinking that they would figure out how to make money later. Remember, if you don’t have any revenues or don’t know where the revenues will come from you don’t really have a business – a hobby maybe, but not a business.
Comment by Em on 2009-12-23:
In order to become successful or (CEO), one need to make the right decisions and take the right steps. I agree with WWS. A bachelor degree is useless it won’t help you land a CEO position. Education is necessary however it is not that necessary and has nothing to do with getting a position as a CEO. MBA from top univeristies (I.e. Harvard, Columbia, Stanford, NYU may help you because you have the opportunity to meet and network with other CEO’S but without the 22 traits mentioned above, a degree is useless. Do some reserch what are the steps that you need to take in order to become successful and do self evaluation. What are your weakness and stregths. College degree will help you get a job but it will not help you to become a top leader.
Comment by A CEO on 2010-01-03:
I’m a CEO and I’m under 30 years old. I got the position by getting a $400k ivy undergrad and then a $600k MBA. I spent a lot of time on my knees and kissed a lot of ass too. I had my frat buddies pull a lot of strings. Don’t let anybody fool you, it’s all about the piece of paper. CEO’s are just one big frat and you gotta be “in” to get there. It’s not really about how smart you are, how well you speak, or how much money you make. You just need to smooze the right goons and do enough to get your bonus.
So work hard, concentrate on those super important pieces of paper (degrees), and make lots of “connections”. If you have 10 degrees your chances are better. And you must get a 4.0 and be a six sigma blackbelt.
Comment by mansooralikhan on 2010-01-16:
i THOUGHT BEFORE a dreAM FOR ME IF I REACH CEO BUT KNOW I CAN WORK FOR THAT TO AQUIRE THAT HIGHER PLACE IN BUSINESS AS CEO
Comment by someone on 2010-02-06:
I had been dreaming of becoming a CEO since i was 10 years old until now.
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Comment by Jovan on 2010-02-15:
Anyone can become a CEO, just start your own company and give yourself the title… Does not mean you will be making any money unless the business is successful though :p
Comment by Billy Hurlbert on 2010-02-16:
Hi friends of corporate world,
I’m starting a company called GO GREEN CONTAINERS INC. from scratch, I will be C.E.O. of the company, our main operation will be a container service offered to the roofing industries roofing companies to recycle, roofer’s gone green program.
The generated materials in our containers are to be recycled into a list of products. As C.E.O. I will be learning to ropes as I go, researching our competitors and learning from their misstates as well as mine. I have no money but with two investors on board we can reach our goals with in the next 5 years. The hardies part I find is to convince the investors what part of the business to start with, I know that the containers must be built first to control where the roofing companies are dumping, once that is in place; we will control the flow of materials needed to start our green product line of recycled products. My problem is they won’t me to proof that a line of products will be possible? My response to that is once we are generating cash flow; faze 2 of our company comes into play with reach & development were testing on asphalt shingles is made possible. I have 3 years of work done just in startup alone. G.G.C.I. will be 100% green and this action will aid in the fight of Global Warming Emissions and save our landfills from roofing asphalt shingle dumping.
Thank you for your time.
C.E.O. to be from scratch Billy Hurlbert
Comment by S.K. on 2010-02-22:
Hello corporate America, I happened to notice that one of the first things mentioned on the artile is education. Considering I am only fifteen and I do intend to take a leading position in a given company, the article made me think about what other executives did as in education. The traits listed above are without a doubt in me, I have been in leading positions in high school and even outside ambassodor programs. But again, what exactly did they do and what can I learn from it? Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
S.K.
Comment by WWS on 2010-02-22:
S.K.
Probably the most common education you will find among executive is an MBA, specially from Ivy League schools.
Comment by S.K. on 2010-02-25:
Hey there again, so what if I consider going to Westpoint Academy? That was my intial goal and then from there go to an Ivy League. Will that play a factor in rising to become a CEO or should I just go straight to an Ivy?
Sincerely,
S.K.
Comment by WWS on 2010-02-25:
S.K.,
It should not be a factor.
Comment by Corporate1 on 2010-03-04:
Hi
Ive been working in IT roles in a bank for past 10 years and have moved to senior management. I dont have an MBA. Ive seen an ad for CEO of a tech company which sounds like an ideal job. Is it worth me giving it a go – I believe Ive got the traits and have displayed them in the work done and can prove it.
Comment by WWS on 2010-03-04:
Corporate1,
It is hard to comment on your chances without knowing more detail, but it does not hurt to try.