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How to become a Chief Information Officer (CIO)

Watch over organisations’ IT and telecommunication systems.

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

Related jobs

  • Information technology administrator

  • Information technology analyst

  • Information technology technician

  • Programmer

  • Security manager

  • Systems designer

  • Systems/operations manager

  • Technology educator

  • Technology manager

Discover MBA courses online

La Trobe University

Bachelor of Information Technology

UndergraduateLAT-TEC-DEG

Features IT industry collaboration, certification, and projects

Graduate with industry relevant knowledge and experience—and work across almost any sector. You’ll develop your core IT skills in programming, networking and databases. Sharpen your competitive edge with AI and cloud tech to get you job-ready.

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.

Available majors

  • Cloud Analytics
  • Software Engineering
Griffith University

Start your IT and AI career – fast

Learn core computing skills and get practical with AI. Explore how software and hardware interact. Structure and manage data. You’ll build job-ready digital skills for tech roles or further study. Harness AI to work on real-world problems.

Study method
100% online
Duration
6 months full time or part time equivalent
Griffith University

Bachelor of Computer Science

UndergraduateGRF-CSC-DEG

Get ready to work at the cutting edge of technology

Establish fundamentals in programming and maths, then choose to major in software development or data science and AI. Take part in the work-integrated learning program to build your connections and confidence—it could also help you land a dream job!

Study method
100% online
Duration
3 years full time or part time equivalent
University of New England

Diploma in Information Technology

UndergraduateUNE-INF-DIP

Build a foundation in computing and boost your IT career

Your journey to becoming an IT professional starts here. Start with core subjects in programming. Then explore advanced topics including web, data science, and database management. Get the technical and professional skills needed in today’s IT careers.

Study method
100% online
Duration
1 year full time or part time equivalent
Entry requirements
No ATAR required. Start with a subject.
Explore IT & computer science courses

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