Path to CTO

[Scabutz]

Question for the powerfully built directors.

I've been in IT for over 22 years, 8 years managing teams and a couple as manager of managers, head of department. I currently report to a CTO.

I have no relevant qualifications, no degree. I came up through software dev and worked my way up. The CTO I report to has a similar background, except he does have a BSc and MSC in computing and business.

I am wondering what should I be doing in terms of skills and qualifications to make the next step to the CTO level. Will I need to get a degree? I've probably got enough experience to get on to an MBA without a bachelors degree, but is that the correct route? They are eye wateringly expensive. I dont mind investing but only if it's the correct route.

[b0rk]

It depends on the type of business you want to step up to CTO level, big corporate say FTSE 100 or 250 go and get a degree then probably an MBA or masters. In this type of business discuss your goal to become degree qualified (but not a CTO) with HR as the company may well be prepared to fund or part fund it as part of your ongoing professional development.
SME and TBH the bosses that likely own the business will be more interested in skills and what you as person can offer rather than whatever qualifications you have do not have, your achievements (or in some cases lack of) will be far more important.
Startup and well fk knows.

[devnull]

Why don't you ask your boss how he got to being CTO?

I've looked at aiming to be a CTO myself, but the term is *very* broad, and each company has its own idea of what a CTO is. Mine for example: The CTO is nothing more than a thinly veiled stand up and dance to the crowd marketing guy, but ultimately doesn't actually choose the right technology for the company's success.

Also, it will be a more of a 'who you know, not what you know' type of role to obtain. Again, our CTO had been in the company 30 years.

[spikeyhead]

At that level, soft skills are usually more important than anything else.

Can you motivate a team, keep them happy, bk them in a good way, talk to suppliers and customers, present to the board etc.

[768]

As said, the role is as varied as the companies that have CTOs.

Start your own company and call yourself the CTO if you want. If you want to be CTO in some multinational expect not knowing anything about technology to be an advantage.

There aren't many such roles on job boards, it really is about who you know. I take it your boss doesn't look as though he's about to move on?

[vaud]

Feel free to PM me, I can help but would rather not on forum.