Becoming a chief of staff is a highly sought-after position in the corporate world. To be successful in this role, you need to have a bachelor's degree, although many hiring managers may prefer a master's degree. Additionally, you must have excellent interpersonal skills and several years of executive-level experience in corporate environments. It is also beneficial to have a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field.
Working well as part of a team is essential for success in this role, as you will need to collaborate with other executives from all departments to implement the CEO's vision. The position of chief of staff is relatively new in the private sector and qualifications for the position vary from company to company. However, many companies prefer job seekers with a master's degree in business administration (MBA) or a related field. An ideal candidate for chief of staff will have a minimum of 7 years of experience “in a business management position, with a special focus on executive-level advice and interdepartmental collaboration.
The skills section of your resume should accurately reflect your abilities and knowledge. Earning PACE certification allows you to demonstrate your deep knowledge, experience and commitment, everything employers want in their chief of staff or senior executive assistant. Leaders in their own right, chiefs of staff act as complementary partners to the leaders they work with, including chief executives (CEOs), presidents and vice-presidents. If you're interested in becoming a chief of staff, one of the first things you should consider is the amount of education you need.
While most managers of staff have a college degree, it's only possible to get one with a high school degree or GED. Alternative titles with the same functionality and authority as chief of staff include president, chief operating officer, and president & chief operating officer.
