How to Become a CEO: Tips to Get You Started

So, you want to know how to become a CEO. Dreaming of that top-floor office, a seat at the boardroom table, and making big decisions? Becoming a CEO is a big goal, but it’s more doable than you might think.

In this guide, we’ll break down how to become a CEO, how long it usually takes, and what steps you can start taking today. Spoiler alert: it’s not a short or easy road, but if you’re ready to put in the work, you could be the one steering the ship sooner than you’d think.

• What Does It Take to Become a CEO?
• CEO Requirements: What’s Expected?
• How Long Does It Take to Become a CEO?
• How to Become a CEO at a Young Age
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Does It Take to Become a CEO?

A CEO, or Chief Executive Officer, is the highest-ranking executive in a company. Their role involves making major corporate decisions, managing overall operations, and acting as the main point of communication between the board and the company’s management. To understand how to become a CEO, you’ll need a mix of education, experience, and leadership skills.

Education

Most CEOs hold at least a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field. Some even go on to earn an MBA or other advanced degrees, but that’s not a strict requirement. For instance, CEOs like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates didn’t finish college, but many successful CEOs hold advanced degrees.

Experience and track record

When learning how to become a CEO, understand that significant experience is usually a must. Becoming a CEO without significant experience is unlikely. Many CEOs start in entry-level roles and gain experience in management and leadership down the line.

They may move from department to department, building expertise in different aspects of the business. Generally, it’s not enough to simply be in a company. You must achieve results that show your ability to lead and improve the business.

Leadership qualities

Learning how to become a CEO also means understanding the importance of leadership skills. CEOs need strong leadership skills to inspire and guide their team. The best CEOs are excellent communicators, strategic thinkers, and resilient in the face of challenges. While education and experience matter, these personal qualities are what separate good leaders from the best.

CEO Requirements: What’s Expected?

Being a CEO isn’t just about having a big, fancy office and making important calls. It’s about steering the entire company—balancing short-term decisions with long-term goals, keeping employees motivated, representing the company’s image, and even dealing with crises.

Here’s a look at what’s typically expected from a CEO when you’re figuring out how to become a CEO:

Years of experience

If you’re aiming for the CEO spot, be ready for a long journey. Most CEOs typically rack up around 24 years of experience before they hit the top spot. Why? Companies want leaders who know the business inside out, with a solid grasp of what makes a company tick.

Take Mary Barra at General Motors, for example. She started as a student intern and spent 34 years with the company, which gave her the profound knowledge needed to run one of the biggest car companies in the world.

On average, Fortune 500 CEOs are around 57 years old, but many of the companies on the list are actually run by leaders who are between 71 and 91 years old. That said, it’s often a long path to the top. Those years of experience matter—they help you make smart calls and avoid rookie mistakes, especially when things get tricky.

Industry know-how

A major part of how to become a CEO is gaining industry knowledge. When companies look for a CEO, they don’t just want someone with general management skills. They want someone who understands their industry inside and out.

A good example is Satya Nadella, who worked in Microsoft’s cloud division before becoming CEO. With his expertise, he helped Microsoft shift its focus to cloud computing, a move that doubled the company’s value. Knowing the field lets CEOs make smart calls on big-picture issues and adapt to industry changes that keep competitors on their toes.

And there’s research to back this up! A study in the Review of Financial Studies found that when a CEO has experience in the industry, it can lead to significantly better results in big moves like mergers.

Specifically, it showed that companies with an industry-experienced CEO saw their returns bump up by 1.2 to 2.0 percentage points during acquisitions, compared to those led by someone without that insider knowledge. This just shows that knowing the industry can be a major asset when learning how to become a CEO.

Proven results

When figuring out how to become a CEO, having proven results is key. Every CEO has a “scoreboard” of wins that proves they know how to get results. This could mean growing revenue, cutting costs, or leading a successful project. Many CEOs build up this scoreboard in executive roles like Chief Financial Officer (CFO) or Chief Operating Officer (COO), where they can show they know how to make a real impact.

Look at Sundar Pichai at Google: before becoming CEO, he was the brain behind hits like Chrome, Android, and Google Drive. These successes not only boosted Google’s reach but also showed that he could handle complex projects and deliver results that matter. When companies see that kind of track record, it’s easier for them to trust someone with the CEO role.

Handling pressure like a pro

Understanding how to become a CEO also means knowing how to handle the pressure. CEOs face huge pressure, from managing crises and keeping investors happy to making unpopular decisions.

In fact, a study from Harvard Business Review found that about 50% of CEOs feel lonely in their role, and that isolation can make the job even more stressful. Resilience is key here, as CEOs often have to make tough decisions that others may not agree with.

For instance, Jeff Bezos faced a lot of skepticism when he launched Amazon Prime and Amazon Web Services (AWS). These projects were risky and expensive upfront, but today they’re core drivers of Amazon’s success. Bezos’s ability to handle the pressure and make these bold moves played a big role in Amazon’s growth.

Adaptability and a growth mindset

With industries changing constantly, staying flexible and open to learning is a must for CEOs. Boards really value adaptability—especially when things get shaky in the industry. A study from Harvard Law School’s Corporate Governance Forum found that during major disruptions, boards focus more on a CEO’s short-term results, like stock performance, to see if they can lead the company through rough times.

Adaptable CEOs tend to hold onto their roles because they can steer the ship through big changes. For instance, Jeff Bezos made some risky calls with Amazon Prime and AWS. They were expensive at first but became major growth drivers. His ability to adapt and look ahead, even under pressure, helped Amazon stay at the top.

When companies search for new CEOs, they often look for people who’ve shown they can adapt to change. McKinsey & Company also points out that versatile leaders—those who can switch up their approach when needed—are usually better prepared for today’s fast-changing business world. So, if you’re aiming to be a CEO, building an adaptable mindset is huge. It’s what’ll help you handle the unexpected and keep your company moving forward.

How Long Does It Take to Become a CEO?

When asking how to become a CEO, many wonder how long it actually takes. On average, getting to the CEO chair takes about 24 years of work experience, but that number can vary a lot depending on the industry, company size, and the career path you take.

In more traditional industries, like finance or manufacturing, the journey to CEO often takes longer, as companies tend to want leaders with decades of experience under their belts. Meanwhile, tech and startup-driven industries sometimes see much faster climbs.

For instance, Elon Musk became CEO of Tesla just four years after getting involved with the company. He initially came in as an investor and co-founder, bringing a bold vision and serious business experience from ventures like PayPal and SpaceX.

This isn’t the typical path, but it shows how tech and startup founders can speed up the journey if they bring the right combination of innovation, funding, and strategy to the table.

In contrast, look at Andy Jassy at Amazon. He joined Amazon back in 1997 as a marketing manager and worked his way up over the years, eventually leading the launch of AWS.

It took Jassy 24 years of climbing the ladder and making an impact in different roles before he became CEO in 2021. His time at Amazon, especially building and scaling AWS, made him a natural fit to take over from Jeff Bezos when the time came.

In the retail world, Doug McMillon took around 30 years to reach the top at Walmart. Starting as an hourly summer associate unloading trucks, he worked his way up, took on various roles, and eventually oversaw operations across Walmart International. His years of experience within Walmart taught him how to become a CEO with a deep understanding of the company’s unique business model, which ultimately paid off when he was named CEO.

So, while it generally takes a couple of decades, the path to CEO can be faster if you’re a founder or join a fast-growing industry early on. But for most people, it’s a gradual climb, building experience, trust, and industry know-how along the way. If you’re thinking about the long haul, look at these leaders for inspiration—they each took a unique path to how to become a CEO.

How to Become a CEO at a Young Age

Learning how to become a CEO at a young age is challenging, but some people manage to do it while they’re still in their teens—or even younger! For most young CEOs, the path involves starting their own companies around ideas they’re passionate about.

Here are a few examples of young CEOs who figured out how to become a CEO really early and some tips on how you can set yourself up to do the same:

1. Start with a passionate idea.

Many young CEOs started with a simple idea that grew into a full-fledged business. Take Shravan and Sanjay Kumaran, for instance. These brothers from India were only 12 and 10 years old when they co-founded their mobile app company, GoDimensions. Their interest in technology drove them to create apps that have now been downloaded thousands of times worldwide.

Similarly, Shubham Banerjee came up with the idea for Braigo, a low-cost Braille printer, when he was only 13 years old. While working on a school science project in 2014, he discovered that Braille printers were really expensive, especially for families of visually impaired individuals.

Inspired to make a difference, Shubham developed a more affordable printer, Braigo, which has gained widespread attention and support. So, if you have a passion, dig deep into it, and think about how you can build a product or service around it.

2. Find a problem you can solve.

Some young CEOs started by addressing a problem they noticed around them. Mikaila Ulmer, for example, was just 4 years old when she first came up with the idea for her lemonade business, Me & the Bees. After learning about bees and their importance to the environment, she wanted to raise awareness and support bee conservation.

With encouragement from her family, she developed a honey-sweetened lemonade recipe and began selling it locally. By the time she was 9 years old, Mikaila was officially CEO of her own company.

Her business has since really taken off, and now you can find her lemonade in big grocery chains and at 1,500 locations across 40 states. Plus, a part of the profits goes to helping save the bees. Mikaila’s story shows how finding a cause or problem you care about can be a powerful foundation for a successful business.

3. Leverage early experiences.

Learning how to become a CEO can also stem from personal experiences. Isabella Dymalovski started her skincare line, Luv Ur Skin, at the age of 8 after struggling to find products that were safe for her sensitive skin.

Her products are now available in major retailers, and she’s built a brand from something she personally needed. Drawing from your own experiences can help you develop authentic products that others will connect with too.

4. Build your skills early.

Starting young gives you time to develop valuable skills. Henry Patterson, for example, began his entrepreneurial journey at just 9 years old with a business selling manure, which he jokingly named “Not Before Tea.”

A few years later, he launched another business, Not Before Tea, selling children’s books and merchandise. Henry used his early experiences to learn about branding, storytelling, and customer engagement. If you’re young and looking to be a CEO, use this time to learn skills related to your passion—whether that’s business, technology, or creative fields.

5. Be willing to start small and scale up.

When you’re young, you don’t need to aim for a huge company right away. Starting small is often part of learning how to become a CEO. Eric Zhu is a great example—at just 14 years old, he began his company, Aviato, in his high school bathroom for privacy and focus.

What started as a small project turned into a serious venture, eventually raising $2.3 million in funding three years later. Eric’s story shows that you don’t need a big budget or fancy office to start; a good idea, creativity, and persistence can take you far. Starting small lets you learn and adapt as you grow, without the big risks.

These young CEOs prove that age is no barrier to success. Whether you’re starting with a simple idea, solving a problem you care about, or building skills from a young age, the path to becoming a CEO can start now. It’s all about taking that first step, learning as you go, and staying determined. Who knows? You could be the next big success story.

But the truth is, a lot of CEOs get a boost from family ties or knowing the right people. Strong networks mean some people have a head start that isn’t available to everyone. That doesn’t mean hard work and talent don’t matter, but it’s worth knowing that the playing field isn’t exactly level. Still, with focus, dedication, and smart networking, carving out your own path to the top is absolutely possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to become a CEO without a degree?

While many CEOs hold degrees in business or finance, it’s not a strict requirement for all industries. Learning how to become a CEO without a degree often involves gaining hands-on experience, building a strong network, and consistently delivering results in various roles. Some CEOs, like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, became CEOs without finishing college by pursuing ideas they were passionate about and acquiring experience along the way.

2. How long does it usually take to become a CEO of a company?

On average, it takes about 24 years of work experience to reach the CEO level. The time it takes to become a CEO can vary depending on factors like industry, company size, and personal career paths. Many executives spend years developing their leadership skills and gaining experience across different departments before they fully get to how long it takes to become a CEO.

3. What are the main CEO requirements?

The main CEO requirements generally include years of industry experience, proven leadership skills, a strong track record of results, and often a solid educational background. CEOs are expected to make high-level decisions, oversee company operations, and manage relationships with the board and stakeholders. Understanding CEO requirements can guide you on the specific qualifications and experience you’ll need on your path.

4. Can you become a CEO at a young age?

Yes, it’s possible to become a CEO at a young age, especially if you’re starting your own business or working in a fast-paced industry like tech. To understand how to become a CEO at a young age, focus on finding a problem you’re passionate about solving, building relevant skills early on, and being willing to start small and grow your business over time.

Takeaways

Reaching the CEO level might feel like a far-off dream, but if you break it down, it becomes a lot more achievable. Here are a few key things to remember:

• Education helps, but it isn’t everything. Sure, most CEOs have degrees in business or finance, but others have succeeded without one by picking up skills and experience on the job. What matters most is keeping an open mind and always learning.
• Experience counts. Most CEOs work their way up by proving they can get results. If you take on leadership roles and show you can make an impact, you’ll build the credibility needed for a CEO spot.
• Know your industry. Deep industry knowledge helps you make smart calls and stay ahead. CEOs who know their field inside and out are often better at adapting and making the right decisions.
• Stay adaptable. Being a CEO means handling pressure and adjusting to change. CEOs who are flexible and resilient can keep the company on track, even when things get tough.
• Serious about becoming a CEO? The right college can make the biggest difference. Working with a college admissions consultant can help you get into the best school to set you on the right path.