Working as a CIO

As a Chief Information Officer you are in charge of the development of long-term IT strategies, the integration of new technologies into the company portfolio as well as for make-or-buy decisions. You perform cost-benefit analysis and are responsible for the strategic planning and supervision of the IT architecture. You need to ensure that systems within the business run smoothly and be involved with risk management.

The coordination of the technology capacity and the planning and arrangement of strategic investments are also responsibilities of this position. In this role you will act as a consultant for the board of directors adjusting the business processes. You will undertake market analysis as well as change management. Finally you have to ensure the creation of transparency, measurability and acceptance.

What qualifications do I need to be a CIO?

You need to ensure that systems within the business run smoothly and be involved with risk management.

A CIO needs to have both fundamental IT knowledge and several years of experience. They are IT experts with a good understanding of the business environment, market needs and the business strategy. CIOs are not only IT experts but also managers that account for business processes as well as for the company success.

Career opportunities for CIOs

You may have the opportunity to advance to a COO position as a member of the board or you could take a CIO function in a bigger company.

How to tailor your CV for a CIO position

You should enlist all disciplinary and functional managerial responsibilities you have had in the past as well as your budget responsibility. Talk about your international experience and give examples of your reporting chains. Explain your scope of responsibilities and highlight all your successful projects. You should also include all cost savings achieved as a result of your analysis.

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