How to become a Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Pathways to this career

1. Study a degree in information technology. Prospective employers may search for specialised skillsets associated with these degrees.
2. Seek leadership programs in the IT industry and accelerate your career advancement. Demonstrate your expertise and gain industry recognition in the process.
3. Join industry networks and communities to stay at the forefront of progressive information technology management.

What does a Chief Information Officer (CIO) do?

As CIO or IT Director, you'll manage, organise and coordinate the development and maintenance of an organisations computer and telecommunication systems.

Duties and tasks

• Analyse organisations ICT needs and appropriate budget to select effective ICT resources to install and implement, setting up user trainings for employees.
• Develop strategies, policies and plans for organisations information and communication technology activities and services.
• Develop, monitor and maintain computer and telecommunication services for organisations operations.
• Evaluate organisations technology requirements to meet work activities and objectives and indicate and implement appropriate technology and systems.
• Implement and arrange for ongoing ICT security systems and monitoring.
• Liaise with department managers to identify ICT requirements and assist users in operating them properly.
• Manage ICT operations, evaluating programs for efficiency and quality performance and ensuring maintenance on systems.

Professional bodies

• Australian Computer Society (ACS)
• Australian Information Industry Association (AIIA)
• Australian Information Security Association
• Information Technology Professionals Association (ITPA)
• Internet Association of Australia

Related jobs

• Information technology administrator
• Information technology analyst
• Information technology technician
• Programmer
• Security manager
• Systems designer
• Systems/operations manager
• Technology educator
• Technology manager