How to become a COO
Explore the responsibilities of a chief operations officer (COO). Explore the essential skills, experiences, and credentials that help these professionals plan and maintain an organization's operations.
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The chief operating officer (COO) is one of the key figures within a company's leading management team and often reports directly to the chief executive officer (CEO). These professionals make decisions that affect the day-to-day execution of the business in line with its strategic goals.
Read on to learn how to become a COO and what to expect from the role.
What does a COO do?
A COO oversees multiple departments, which can vary depending on the organization's structure or industry.
Typically, The COO oversees administration, human resources, sales, technology, or production, and individual leaders within those segments will report directly to the COO. The COO gathers information about challenges and evaluates performance against key metrics, providing a comprehensive view of the company's operational health.
The COO often collaborates with other C-suite executives to make decisions requiring cross-departmental coordination. Success in this role demands strong interpersonal skills and exceptional business acumen to ensure that a company remains aligned with its overarching goals.
According to the Economic Research Institute (ERI), the average salary for a COO was $337,198 as of 2024. This can vary according to responsibilities, level of education, skills, industry, and location.
Steps to become a COO
To become a COO, you'll typically need a blend of education and experience, and and can follow some of the following steps:
Step 1: Earn a bachelor's degree
According to the ERI, 37% of COOs have a bachelor's degree, making it a key first step. Consider studying business administration, finance, operations management, or a related field. These programs can provide a solid foundation in management and business operations to support your career growth.
Step 2: Gain industry experience
Aspiring COOs should build diverse experiences across a variety of roles and industries.
Consider taking on leadership positions, such as department head, to gain expertise in planning and execution. Demonstrating your ability to adapt and work under pressure can strengthen your credentials.
Additionally, roles in companies with complex organizational structures can provide valuable exposure to cross-departmental collaboration, preparing you for the multifaceted responsibilities of a COO.
Step 3: Consider certifications
Evaluate your target industry to identify certifications that might enhance your qualifications. For example, if you aspire to become a COO in the tech industry, a certification in scrum management may be valuable. This credential demonstrates expertise in areas like team management and digital transformation, helping to align your skills with industry demands.
Step 4: Explore further education
ERI reports that 42% of COOs hold a master's degree and 4% have a doctorate. Earning one of these advanced degrees could give you a competitive edge as you work toward securing a COO position.
Step 5: Network
Build relationships with peers, C-suite executives, departmental leaders, and mentors. As you build your network, it can help you stay up to date with industry trends and gain valuable insights that you could use to further your own journey.
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