In the business world, the role of chief learning officer is relatively new. As a result, the qualifications and training required to become a chief learning officer are still changing in the workplace. A person in this position is likely to be in charge of developing company leadership, implementing and designing training programs, and procuring capital investments that aid learning, such as training equipment. You’ll probably need a strong background in at least one of the following disciplines to become a chief learning officer: human resources, technology, business strategy, or business administration. In this field, a basic orientation toward being an encouraging person would be beneficial.
Degreed programs in industrial organization and psychology, human resources management, and business administration are examples of specific educational areas that would prepare you for this role. This career path is also suitable for a cross-disciplinary career path, so a minor degree in addition to a major in one of these areas may be advantageous. A person who enjoys interpersonal relationships would be a good fit for this position, which is geared toward intensive personal interaction. Understanding how to motivate people and how to respond to employee fears that arise when employees are required to learn new technology is a desirable skill for this career path. Consider pursuing and obtaining a solid understanding of the competitive challenges in recruiting and training talent as part of your preparation for becoming a chief learning officer.
As the first baboomers retire and are replaced younger workers, the workforce demographic is shifting. In general, younger workers approach learning differently than older workers. These younger workers anticipate that newer technologies will be used in training. To teach this generation of workers, a chief learning officer will need to use the most up-to-date technological methods. As a result, a chief learning officer must be skilled in the use of new educational technology.
To succeed as a chief learning officer, you must be adaptable. In individualized training, you will most likely be expected to embrace the most recent social and technological developments. Instead of relying on textbooks and pre-programmed learning modules, a chief learning officer could use an on-demand learning format, support forums, or other social network tools that a user can tailor to his or her schedule and needs. Some in this field advocate abandoning the classroom-teaching model in favor of utilizing the training potential of social media. Basic people skills, regardless of changing demographics or technological shifts, are still required if you want to become a chief learning officer.