This post shares briefly on what it takes to become a CEO and the journey you have to travel to get there. From the Course you have to do to career progression.

Who is CEO?

CEO is an abbreviation of Chief Executive Officer. There are many responsibilities that a CEO plays in a company but generally the CEO is in charge of  the company’s departments and directs their operations. He is the highest ranking person in a  company.

How to become a CEO

Some of the factors that can determine whether you can become a CEO include;

• Education  Level: In order to become a CEO you must have completed at least an undergraduate degree. However, most CEOs have completed their MBA graduate degree.
• Courses to do: For a company to run effectively, the leader must have knowledge of financial management. Therefore, to stand a good chance of become CEO, do a business related course with a focus in financial management or commerce or Accounting. For example Equity Bank CEO Dr. James Mwangi has a Bachelor of Commerce degree, KCB bank CEO Joshua Oigara has a Bachelor of commerce (accounting) degree and Safaricom CEO James Mwirigi has a Bachelor of Laws and is a certified public accountant. However, it is important to note that the course type is most influenced by  Company Type.
• Work Experience: Start your own business, be a leader in  your school. If employed, take the front role. Be a leader.
• Good Communication: Though not requirement, but companies need a leader who can communicate well. Always learn some basic English speaking skills. Most people will judge you according to the way you speak.

Lastly, you need a good network of people around you. During your career progression, ensure that you attend seminars, networking events, volunteer programs and business training programs.  In this contemporary world, the success of any person, in some percentage, depends on the people that surround him or her. Network is something that you should not underestimate.