The document outlines six key roles that can lead to becoming a Chief Information Officer (CIO) in today's IT landscape. It emphasizes the shift towards cloud management, communication skills, and consultancy experience as crucial competencies for aspiring CIOs. The changing demands require a mix of technical, business, and interpersonal skills to navigate the evolving landscape of IT.

1. 6 Jobs Leading to CIO:
A Career Path Through the Cloud
The Wall Street Journal news organization was not involved in the creation of this content.
Here are six positions you should hold as you
climb to the top of your IT organization.

2. The Wall Street Journal news organization was not involved in the creation of this content.
6 Jobs Leading to CIO:
A Career Path Through the Cloud
There was a time when the career path to CIO was fairly
straightforward: Start as a programmer or engineer, develop technical
expertise, take on bigger projects, and oversee various IT functions.
Eventually, you’d be qualified to run a large IT department.
Today, the path looks different. CIOs are required to command
a full arsenal of business, technology, and, yes, political skills.
Here’s the new route to the top.

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Cloud Crusader
Cloud management skills top the
list, and it’s not a stretch to say that,
in the foreseeable future, a Chief
Information Officer will essentially
morph into a Chief Cloud Officer. Some
73% of IT departments have added
cloud architects and 72% have added
people with the skills to build private
clouds, according to CompTIA. “Having
hands-on experience managing or
programming within a cloud-based
architecture is critical for CIO candidates
today, and it really sets you apart,”
says Adam Charlson, a principal at DHR
International, an executive search firm.
#1

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Contract Consigliere
As companies move to private clouds,
IT’s emphasis is less on building
technology and more on negotiating
and managing expectations. For
example, a recent Gartner study found
that buyers of commercial cloud
services are finding security provisions
woefully inadequate—a situation
that may have already been flagged
in the fine print. Of course, as cloud
environments become more complex,
future CIOs also need to develop
knowledge about cloud automation
and provisioning to become strong
cloud advisors/managers. No one
expects a CIO to have a law degree,
but understanding contracts and
developing negotiating skills positions
you as an important advisor.
#2

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Tech Translator
As businesses exert greater control over IT budgets, there’s
increased demand for people who can translate complex
technology terms into accessible language—especially now,
as more and more companies move to the cloud. Some
37% of CIOs strongly agree that they need to improve
their communications skills, says an Ernst & Young study.
CIOs believe communication skills and the ability to exert
influence are as important for success as
technical knowledge—especially
when making a case for IT
expenditures, “selling” the
business on new technology,
and demonstrating the
importance of aligning the
business and IT function.
#3

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Confident Consultant
Almost 70% of CIOs worked for a
management consulting firm or systems
integrator at some point in their career,
according to consultants Booz & Co.
What’s the connection? As a consultant
(or at the very least, as an employee of a
consultancy), you’re exposed to a variety
of complex business issues, diverse
projects, stakeholder management and
strategic thinking. Technology helps too:
Consultants—and any employee who
acts in an advisory capacity—can utilize
business management applications to
help gather the baseline data necessary
to calculate ROI for complex initiatives,
such as cloud services.
#4

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Line Leader
Take the opportunity to broaden your skill set by working
within a line of business. Having revenue responsibility
offers a perspective you often can’t get within a business
function. Working within a line of business allows the IT
professional to see the “bigger picture” when it comes to
company strategy, goals, and objectives.
#5

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Digital Virtuoso
Whether it’s cloud management, mobile,
social, e-commerce or something else,
become a champion and architect
of your company’s digital vision and
strategy and you’ll add an invaluable skill
set to your career arsenal. Almost one in
five CIOs say they also hold the role of
Chief Digital Officer, according to a 2013
Gartner survey of 2,053 CIOs.
#6