Professionals entering the field of public administration can expect many possible career outcomes, all the way up to the C-suite. The leadership and decision-making skills associated with this field can effectively translate into executive positions in government, the nonprofit sector, and the corporate world.
Education can play a vital role in building a career path that leads to becoming a CEO, or assuming a C-suite position in public administration. Specifically, earning an advanced degree can help deepen the knowledge and skills needed to deftly handle the responsibilities commonly associated with leading an organization, whether in the public or private sector.
Those who choose the C-suite route can pursue a specialized advanced degree, such as a Master of Public Administration, to further hone the skills to thrive as a public administration leader. Whether interested in a nonprofit executive education role or government work, MPA degree holders can find satisfaction in a career that advances the benefits of public administration to society.
What Does a CEO Do?
A CEO’s ultimate goal varies markedly between the public and private sectors. In the public sector, a CEO will shape an organization’s goals to align with the values and needs of public interest or political compromise. A private-sector CEO, on the other hand, will build strategies around optimizing the economic vitality of a singular business or matching the company direction as desired by company shareholders.
Despite this essential difference in focus, there is substantial common ground in what most CEOs do. The responsibilities for CEOs typically include the following.
- Leading short- and long-term strategy development
- Managing an organization’s operations and resources
- Communicating with other top executives as well as external stakeholders
- Establishing the cultural tone of their organization
Steps to Become a CEO
With so much overlap in duties between public and private organizations, C-suite career paths can be very similar. However, there are numerous key steps to becoming a CEO that can fully prepare individuals for a role in the public or private sector.
Meet Education Requirements
CEOs typically earn at least a bachelor’s degree, and many also hold a graduate degree. A master’s degree, such as a Master of Public Administration, can arm students with the necessary administration and business expertise to become successful CEOs. It may also give them a competitive edge in the job market. CEOs or aspiring CEOs may also pursue continuing education through additional courses relevant to their field of work.
Gain Work Experience
Most CEO positions require five years or more of related work experience, including extensive managerial experience.
Develop Key Personality Traits
A CEO spends plenty of time interacting with different individuals from different backgrounds. In the case of the public sector, this could mean meeting with groups that can help achieve a specific goal that can benefit the public. Because of this, it’s vital to possess certain well-honed characteristics, such as strong communication skills and an engaging personality.
Earn Certification
Some CEOs need to hold professional certification in a particular area of management, depending on their job duties and their organization’s requirements.
Network
An individual who builds a strong roster of contacts and connections throughout their journey can use this professional network to help guide them toward their preferred type of executive role. This networking can also serve them well when they land their role, since they may be able to call on their contacts to develop and execute goal-achieving strategies more efficiently.
Recommendations for Aspiring CEOs
Obtaining the requisite education, experience, and certification is just the beginning for most CEO candidates. Market competition for the top C-suite spots is intense. To boost one’s resume and desirability, the ASAE Research Foundation offers these 10 recommendations for aspiring CEOs in the public and private sectors.
- Build a professional network: 90% of respondents on an ASAE survey found a professional network beneficial to landing their first position as a CEO.
- Keep learning: Whether it is an advanced degree, a professional credential, reading to stay up to date, or other training, most respondents felt the steps they took to advance their own knowledge were positively influential in getting that first CEO position.
- Volunteer: Serve on committees or boards to learn the ins and outs of governance and how different groups deal with leadership questions and issues.
- Familiarize yourself with a variety of functional areas: CEOs may not need expertise in every area of their company, but they are expected to have general knowledge in many areas of its operation.
- Develop leadership skills: Cultivate the skills necessary to lead staff and a volunteer-driven organization, such as active listening and making actionable connections from data, observations, and learnings.
- Develop communication skills: Public speaking, strong written communication skills, and professional relationship development are significant facets of the CEO role.
- Know your industry: Explore literature on industry trends to understand what you can bring to a role and whether the position is right for you.
- It’s all about the members: For CEOs of professional associations in particular, the goal is always to serve the industry or field of your association, so keep this goal at the forefront of your work.
- Be authentic: Make sure you want the job, not just the title. That passion will be evident to job interviewers — and to employees, mentors, stakeholders, and your professional network once you land the role.
- Be patient: Prioritize the right career fit for you over jumping at early opportunities.
By following these steps, MPA degree holders can position themselves for top jobs in the public or private sector. By offering expertise in these skills and others, an MPA degree can be an effective springboard to C-suite success.
Make a Difference from the Top
Becoming a CEO in the public sector can be a uniquely rewarding journey. Those who achieve this goal not only help lead an organization in an optimal direction but have the opportunity to do good for a specific segment of society. The role and its results can impact people’s lives, not just a company’s bottom line.
It’s an important and fulfilling role, and it’s one that Ohio University’s online Master of Public Administration program can help prepare you to pursue. With four tracks to choose from — including a Public Leadership and Management track — the program can help you gain the expertise to build and oversee strategies that have a positive impact on society. Core courses include Foundations of Public Administration, Strategic Leadership and Public Value, and Organizational Leadership.
Discover how Ohio University can prepare you for a CEO role.
Recommended Readings
4 MPA Skills That Will Help Your Career
Master of Public Administration vs. Master of Business Administration
Sources:
ASAE Foundation, “Recommendations for Aspiring CEOs”
Business News Daily, “4 Solid Strategies for Expanding Your Professional Network”
Indeed, “CEO Chief Executive Officer Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”
Indeed, “Public vs. Private Sector Management: What’s the Difference?”
Investopedia, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Investopedia, “How to Become a CEO”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Top Executives”