It is common for a chief commercial officer (CCO) to have some educational qualifications as well as experience in the field. Chief commercial officers may have a decade or more of education and experience in their field. If they want to change employers, they can rise through the ranks of a company or apply for new openings at different companies in the same or related industries. Current job postings can provide some insight into the types of qualifications that employers in the current market are looking for.
The chief commercial officer is an important member of a company’s executive team. She collaborates with the CEO to take on some of the responsibilities of that position, and she focuses on connecting executives with lower-level employees. This member of the executive team may also be tasked with marketing duties, such as development and expansion. As a result, a candidate for the position of chief commercial officer should expect to collaborate closely with the chief marketing officer.
A bachelor’s degree in business or a field related to the company’s work is typically required for a position as a chief commercial officer. This employee at a forestry products company, for example, might have a forestry or biology degree. Many chief commercial officers hold master’s or doctoral degrees, and some may pursue advanced degrees such as a master’s in business administration (MBA). A person who wants to be a chief commercial officer should look into internships while in school to gain experience and make professional connections.
Graduates are eligible to apply for positions within the company. They may begin at a lower level and work their way up to positions of leadership and management. The chief commercial officer should be familiar with daily company operations and should be able to gain valuable skills while working for the company. This can also help you build a reputation as a high-performing employee who is results-oriented.
When a position for a chief commercial officer becomes available, candidates should be able to demonstrate their education and relevant experience. A person who wants to be a chief commercial officer will have a stronger resume if she has worked in management, collaborated on projects with executives, and worked on projects creatively. Some companies prefer to hire from within their ranks in order to take advantage of experienced employees, while others prefer outsiders who can bring new perspectives to their operations.