The CEO is the face of the company and the first point of contact between the employees and the directors. Many CEOs today are household names. They are also the company's symbol. These include Mark Zuckerberg, Elon Musk, and Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors. The workday of a CEO can be very long, varied and often stressful.
Getting a bachelor's degree
Although there are some individuals who can become CEOs via entrepreneurship or setting up their own business, the vast majority of CEOs begin in lower-ranking positions and progress up the corporate ladder. You need to have the right education, work experience, and connections with key people in order to be a successful CEO. Also, you need to constantly develop your skills and expertise.
By gaining on-the-job experience and formal education, you can get started as a CEO. A bachelor's in business administration or a related field is essential for potential CEOs. A lot of top companies have CEOs with a background in business.
Getting relevant work experience
Today's business world is demanding that CEOs have relevant work experience. As the world becomes more global and interconnected, boards are placing a higher value on people who have a breadth of experience. Although a solid background in finance and operations is an advantage, you can also benefit from consulting experience. Some of the most successful CEOs have started their careers in a lower position and then worked their way up.
You need to be able lead an organization towards its objectives as a business leader. It's a demanding position that requires a lot of responsibility, and you'll report to every employee of the organization. You should not only have experience in your field but also be able see the potential of the company and anticipate obstacles and opportunities.
The creation of a network
It is important to have a broad network of contacts as a candidate for CEO. You can do this by attending industry events, pursuing executive education, or enrolling in a networking program. Don't be afraid to connect with people deeper than the superficial. You will have greater chances of landing a top job by building a strong network of quality contacts.
Networking should be done with people you trust and respect. CEOs often have many commitments and are busy. Try to avoid making a negative impression on them, and do not make it too difficult to follow up. A relationship with a CEO will take at least one interaction. If you are able to establish a connection, be sure to thank them and follow up.
Develop a vision of your company
Most CEOs begin with a vision. However, visions are not always created by the CEO. Sometimes the vision for a company or product can be derived from lower-level executives. Lesli Rothenberg, SVP of Children's Media at PBS was the one who developed a new channel for children. She convinced Paula Kerger, a skeptical CEO that a new channel was required.
It's impossible for anyone to see the future and predict it all, but you can learn so much from others by learning from their visions. Studying the visions of other companies and listening to their stories is one of the best ways you can learn about them. Talk to clients and partners, take a look at visions from other companies, and get feedback. These can help you refine your vision to make it more meaningful.