The path to becoming a chief operating officer (COO) varies by industry and may also be dependent on the type of company you want to work for. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to obtaining this position, but you will typically require a business administration degree as well as extensive work experience. After graduation, you’ll need to find work in a field that interests you. Then, in order to advance to a vice president (VP) position within the corporate structure, you must stand out by performing well and demonstrating leadership skills. Because many people within a company want this job, you’ll need to go above and beyond to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and expertise to handle day-to-day operations.
In a typical corporate structure, the chief operating officer is the executive in charge of the company’s day-to-day operations. A chief operating officer’s responsibilities typically include details and minutia, such as production quotas. Vice presidents and other department heads frequently report to the COO, who in turn reports to the CEO (CEO). Because many CEOs are preoccupied with high-level, big-picture management, the COO is often given some leeway in day-to-day operations.
Although there is no formal education requirement for becoming a chief operating officer, many of these executives hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration. If becoming a COO is your ultimate goal, you should start by earning a four-year degree in business administration. After that, you can either go straight into the workforce or look for internships and other opportunities while studying for an MBA. Knowing the right people can help you advance your career in business, and many people who graduate from prestigious universities end up in executive positions.
It is possible to rise through the corporate ranks from virtually any position to become COO, and there are examples of people who started as engineers, manager trainees, and even sales representatives. Regardless of your starting position, you should try to work your way up through the ranks and into the department’s management sector. You may also need to change employers at some point, as executive positions are typically very competitive, and some companies offer better opportunities than others.