InformationWeek

October 27, 1998

I would like to have the credentials necessary to be a Fortune 500 CIO. I am presently finishing my master's degree in computer science and have more than 10 years of technical experience. I want to pursue a MBA and then work for one of the Big Six firms. Do companies value MBAs from particular schools? Will any MBA do or will I need to go to a top-rated school? At what point does an executive search firm look more at the experience vs. the pedigree?

In answer to your first question, companies rely on the inherent value of an MBA, period, at the executive level. In most cases, if you are entertaining an Ivy League school, that should be your first choice. Outside of the elite few, forge ahead with your MBA. Your educational pedigree, coupled with the tenure of industry experience, is the first step at putting your hat in the executive ring. Since your interest lies in developing a CIO profile, it would make sense to broaden your experience by adding consulting to the mix at some point in your career. However, you need to have had significant experience leading a staff and managing a budget in industry. A successful CIO not only has the business savvy and educational pedigree, but has a track record of driving corporate technology initiatives and business agendas and taking ownership as well as managing multiple objectives and projects. After driving internal corporate agendas, you will find that your next step may be consulting.

More Questions:
I have no formal computer training, but am looking to make a career change. What will it take for me to break into some type of high-tech computer job? Are there any companies out there willing to train someone who is bright, a quick learner and eager?

I have decided to go back to school and I can't decide whether to get a undergraduate degree in MIS or a master's in information science. Is it worth paying the high cost of a grad degree as opposed to the lower cost of an undergrad degree since salary is not my main concern?