Chief Information Officer – (CIO)
OFO No:
What is a Chief Information Officer (CIO)?
Some people think the CIO is the top computer person but the CIO has a far more important and responsible job in the company.
The CIO is the link between all the various information technologies within the company and the different departments throughout the company. Their position is to work with IT managers to co-ordinate and help solve information-related problems within the company.
A CIO has an information technology (IT) background and has a load of IT skills and experience. In most cases, the CIO is not involved with the ‘every day’ tasks of the IT department but more involved with IT processes, strategy and planning, taking the company forward. By doing this, they are indirectly involved with how the company makes money.
What does a CIO do?
- liaises with it managers
- researches, plans and develops strategies for the company’s it future
- puts strategies into place
- liaises with the different department managers
- solves problems
- streamlines current it practices within the company
- keeps up to date with new technologies
Are you . . . ?
- interested in computers and information technologies?
- a big thinker?
- intelligent?
- a problem solver?
- responsible?
- logical?
- a hard worker?
- ambitious?
How do I become a CIO?
CIO’s don’t become CIO’s overnight. A CIO holds a very senior position so it will take time and hard work and experience to get to this point.
CIO’s have usually studied computer science and information technology. Technology changes from day to day keeping people in this industry on their toes. It’s extremely important that people in this industry continue to update their skills regularly if they want to stay in the game and get promoted.
Once qualified, you will enter the company as a junior in the IT department. From this position, you will need to learn as much as you can on the job. It’s advisable for you to collect more skills and training to jump ahead of the rest. You need to show that you’re motivated, a team player and that you’re responsible and hard-working before you will get promoted.
CIO’s are usually older because it takes time to gather knowledge and experience.
TRAINING:
- CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
- Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
- To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education.
- CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions.
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Chartered Secretary … or … Human Resource Manager
Is becoming a CIO the right career choice for me?
