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Degrees and Schools

Regardless of one's prior education and experience, those who aspire to become a chief executive should consider earning a degree in business administration, public administration or education administration. Business administration programs cover all aspects of running a business including strategic planning, finance, marketing and human resource management while public administration and education administration programs will cover topics relevant to non-profit management and education management. Business administration programs at the bachelor's and master's level are widely available while public administration and education administration programs are somewhat harder to locate. These types of programs at the master's level can often be completed part-time while continuing to work.

Coursework

• Business administration - these programs cover coursework such as finance, accounting, marketing, strategic planning, operations management, organizational behavior and business law. Students can choose concentrations or electives in areas pertinent to their industry such as e-business, health-care administration, international business or information technology.
• Public administration - these programs cover the same core topics as business administration programs but will include coursework in labor relations, public policy, program implementation, intergovernmental relations, non-profit marketing and fund raising.
• Education administration - these programs include topics such as school administration, education research, standards-based curriculum, public education finance, education regulation and professional development.

Online Classes and Programs

Online business administration programs, especially at the master's level, are abundant and are offered by both traditional schools and online schools. Public administration and education administration degrees are becoming more available online as well. All of these programs should be accredited by one of the six regional accrediting agencies.

Employment Requirements

Experience is the foremost criteria for becoming a chief executive. Those who succeed in attaining this top level position will typically have had substantial experience in the industry and have moved up into higher and higher level positions throughout their career. It is also helpful to have had a variety of roles within an organization so that one has the breadth of knowledge required to run a company. An alternative path to leading a company is to start one's own company, either alone or with partners. Major requirements include start-up funding as well as a solid business plan.

How to Evaluate Schools and Programs

When choosing a program that will lead to a chief executive position, the following questions can be helpful to ask:

• Program Concentrations - Does the program offer a concentration in the student's area of interest or industry?
• Convenience - Is the program structured for working students? Are classes offered during evenings and weekends? Are courses offered online?
• Coursework - Is the coursework relevant to the industry the student wants to work in? Do the courses cover material that the student hasn't already learned on the job?
• Reputation - Does the program have a strong reputation in the industry? Will a degree from this institution make an impression on future employers?
• Accreditation - Is the program accredited by a regional accreditation agency?

Chief Executives Job Description

Despite the hard work required, many ambitious professionals aspire to move into the "corner office" which is seen as the ultimate sign of success by many. The Chief Executive position is often one of enormous responsibility and intense pressure, requiring long hours, substantial travel and complete committment. Aside from the prestige of these positions, the other major benefit is the pay, which is typically the highest one can attain in a given field. Aside from heading up corporations, Chief Executives are found owning their own businesses and running smaller companies, non-profit organizations and government institutions. Although they generally have a great deal of autonomy, the top executive typically takes direction from a board of directors, board of selectmen, parent company executive or other stakeholders.

The responsibilities of Chief Executives vary widely depending upon the size and type of institution they are running. One overriding consistent responsibility is that they are ultimately answerable for the success of the institution. Most chief executives have responsibility to make strategic decisions about the company, hire qualified professionals at the next level of the organization and oversee the financial results. Beyond these basics, responsibilities vary immensely - a small retail store owner may place product orders and run the cash register while the CEO of a large corporation may decide to buy another company or layoff employees.

Resources

Small Business Administration - The SBA is a US government agency that helps with the start-up, building and growing of small businesses.

American Management Association - The AMA provides management skills training, publishes newsletters and articles, conducts seminars and podcasts and performs research for professional managers and management students.

American Society for Public Administration - The ASPA is a membership organization of public and non-profit administrators that seeks to improve public service through programs and services. They provide training, publications, networking, local chapters, awards and conferences.

American Association of School Administrators - This organization aims to support and develop effective school system leaders through advocacy, conferences and resource development including research and publications.