Chief Information Officers

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 master's 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.