In today's business environment, a CIO's job responsibilities are changing. In addition to being a technology expert, a CIO needs to have business skills and be able to relate to the organisation's needs. A modern CIO is not just a technologist; he or she must also be able to anticipate and navigate trends within the industry and keep strategic planning in line with the company's goals.
As a CIO, your job requires a strong background in IT, and you should have a degree in computer science or software engineering. If your degree is in business, consider doing some coursework in it. For example, some employers prefer to hire a candidate who holds a master's in business administration. Besides the technical skills, a CIO should also have a solid understanding of the business side of the organization. Many CIOs are promoted from the business side, so they must have an excellent understanding of how business operates.
Being a chief information officer requires a strong understanding of various technologies and the business aspects behind them. A CIO must be a good communicator and be able to explain IT concepts and tools to those who don't understand it. The role of the CIO involves interacting with the company's CEO, other C-level executives, and marketing and human resource directors. Hence, an effective CIO must possess a broad knowledge of a variety of business areas.
