Leads the IT function and aligns it with business strategy at executive level.
Entry
Expert
Coding
Low
Key skills
Career overview
The CIO leads the IT function: strategy, operations, governance, budget and digital transformation. They align IT with business strategy and represent IT to the board and executive committee. The role leads to CEO, VP Technology or Board.
Main responsibilities
- Direct an IT department and its strategy
- Define strategy and steer long-term direction
- Coordinate the technical work of the team
- Mentor junior team members and review their work
- Manage budget, scope and risks
- Align stakeholders and report progress
- Prioritise work and manage competing demands
- Structure work, resources and governance
- Ensure delivery of products and programs
- Keep technical documentation up to date
Technical skills
Technologies
Education level
Education requirements vary depending on the company, country and experience. Professional experience, certifications and technical skills can sometimes compensate for formal education.
High School / Bac
Less common
Bac+2 (2-year degree)
Less common
Bac+3 (Bachelor)
Less common
Bac+5 (Master / Engineering)
Common entry point
Experience & coding level
Experience level
Coding level
Useful certifications
Certifications are never mandatory. They are one way among others to prove a skill.
- CISM
- CGEIT
- TOGAF 9 Certified
Where can this career take you?
Multiple paths are possible. Click a role to open its profile.
Direct progression
Possible branches
Where can you go next?
Realistic next career moves, with compatibility and a transition roadmap for each.
Overlap: 76% · Difficulty: Easy
Skills to learn: Architecture & platforms, Innovation
View roadmapWhere can you go from here?
A typical progression built from real career relationships. Click any role to open its profile.
Soft skills
- Strategic thinking
- Leadership
- Clear communication
- Stakeholder management
- Decisiveness
- Mentoring
- Big-picture thinking
Common previous careers
Roles that frequently lead into this career.
Overlap: 62% · Difficulty: Easy
Skills to learn: IT leadership, Governance, Digital transformation
View roadmapOverlap: 73% · Difficulty: Medium
Skills to learn: Governance, Digital transformation
View roadmapOverlap: 48% · Difficulty: Hard
Skills to learn: IT leadership, Digital transformation, Budget
View roadmapOverlap: 50% · Difficulty: Hard
Skills to learn: Governance, Digital transformation, Team development
View roadmapRelated resources
Continue your career exploration
Keep moving: compare roles, follow a roadmap, read a guide or prepare for an interview.
Ready to explore your next step?
A documented transition from this role to the next.
CIOVP Technology
Keep exploring
Compare this role with others, or check which career fits you best.