What you need to reach the executive level in your career
Do you want to reach the executive level sometime in your career? There are determined things you need to do and steps you can take to get there.
Back to TopIf one of your career goals is to be a leader, several roads to that destination exist. Some simply involve setting an example for others through inspiration, but others are more cut and dry, like becoming a Director, Vice President or C-suite title holder–in other words, getting to the executive level.
In this article, we'll go over some tactical moves you can make and skills you can gather to help you rise up.
What is an executive-level position?
Not to be confused with being an executive, executive level means holding a role in the leadership suite of titles. Some include Director, Vice President or roles in the C-suite (like CEO, CFO or CTO). Basically, anything above Director1 qualifies for the distinction.
Ways people get to the executive level
Staying power
Sometimes, you can get to the C-level by being a long-term employee who gradually works their way up the ladder2. Key to this laddering is a willingness to keep taking on more and evolving as your company grows. Many success stories have been written this way.
"The average age of C-suite leaders is now 57, about the same as in the 1950s."5
Coming in fresh
While you still need to be selected for progressive positions of power, you don't need to be homegrown at one company to achieve2. You can choose to earn higher positions at varied companies as long as you keep moving up and tell a compelling career story. Spending dedicated time in each role, mastering it and always climbing higher is a great recipe for an executive-level position (it can also be lucrative!).
"We are bringing in more talent from outside than ever but then moving people up to the top jobs once they have been seasoned within our companies. Evidence for this comes from the fact that the average tenure of top executives with their company is holding at about 12 years, but their years of experience elsewhere continue to increase: It’s now up to 15 years."5
Entrepreneurship
If traditional tracks aren't working, you can always strike out on your own! Business ownership2 is risky, but it's a sure-fire path to reaching the executive level, sometimes faster than other means, since you're creating your own titles.
One note of caution, though—Be realistic. Your experience working for yourself is valuable, but there are some experiences you can't earn on your own. This lack of specific expertise may make it harder for you to enter a more traditional executive-level space later on, so you must prepare for that possibility.
Activities that help along your career path2
Starting smart
Getting your first position can be hard, but if you want to run a specific company someday, think about what would give you the best understanding of that company, even in the beginning. Operations is a great starting point as it helps illuminate all the functions and facets of a company.
Taking on responsibilities that get you seen
Volunteer for different types of work6, position yourself as a go-getter and put yourself in rooms with executive-level people who can mentor you passively or actively. Visibility is important when people consider who they want to help move up. You always want to be top of mind!
Cultivating leadership skills
"The art of communication is the language of leadership." – James Humes
Lapping all other skills needed by leaders is strong communication, but others can make you a stronger pick including: accountability, active listening, collaboration, courage, empathy, flexibility, focus, having a growth mindset, being eager to learn, innovation, optimism, passion, patience, being a problem-solver, resilence, respect, self-awareness, transparency and trust.3 Whatever area you are weak in, work to be stronger. Executive-level leaders must be able to do it all with aplomb.
Educational requirements
Though some executive-level roles can be obtained without higher education, degrees and certifications can help make your progression easier. If your goal is specific early on, consider structuring your education journey to get you where you're going.
For example, you could move toward business administration if you want to become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO).4 It's always smart to look into common educational trends and include them as you plan.
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Do you already have the qualifications for an executive-level role, but are unsure which company would work best for you long-term? Beacon Hill can help match you with the right employer.
Sources and inspiration
- What defines an executive-level position?
- A Guide To the C-Suite Path: What You Need To Know
- 20 Leadership Qualities That Make a Great Leader
- What Is An Executive? (With Titles & Salaries)
- The Changing Face of the C-Suite: Older, More Diverse and More Experienced
- 5 Ways to Take on More Responsibility at Work
