Chief Information Officer? How?

Question

what degrees / certifications do i need to climb up the IT ladder to be a CIO someday? i currently work as a network & systems administrator

Answer 1

If I wanted to increase my chances of climbing the ladder to CIO of a large company, I would work on bachelors and masters degrees. You don't need a masters, but it will be quite a help. To reach the highest level of a company, the quality and reputation of the schools come into play.

Is is not a certification-heavy field beyond the individual contributor level. One that might help a person trying to climb the ladder is the PMP, a project management certification. It is not an easy certification to get, by the way.

Among those qualified, the key to success in higher management positions always boils down to getting the right opportunities and developing the right relationships. Being smart and hard working is not enough. Be a people person, change companies if you are not getting the assignments you need, and along the way, decide if the senior management job is really what drives you. You can always change your mind and move laterally into other fields if you have a history of professional success.

Answer 2

From what I found out with my employer, there's very little requirements beyond 24 units of credit, and about 6 years experience. Surprisingly, upper management positions have very loose requirements, and are usually easier to qualify for than some entry level positions. Now that's not to say they are easier to get, just easier to qualify for.
Security is always a huge concern, so focus your education and certifications towards security. Second will be stability.

Answer 3

Cheif Information Officer? Easy.

First, be dumb as a brick. Second, understand nothing about information technology. Third, lay off people left and right regardless of their ability to produce. Fourth, play favorites with people you like and give them major promotions and pay raises regardless of skill. Fifth, strike fear into all people who report to you and be sure to treat them as a hunk of machinery. Sixth, negotiate a large package when they ask you to resign.

That's what I've seen for examples of CIOs. Haven't seen any GOOD CIOs though...