One of the best industries to get involved in as a CEO is the healthcare field. This includes health insurance, hospital administration, and similar locations. Unlike other fields that are experiencing dramatic downturns because of tough economic times, healthcare is one area that cannot be dismissed so easily. People need medical attention regardless of whether the stock market is sinking or not.
If you choose to work in this field, you'll need to make tough decisions about the way the business is run. You will need to stay up-to-date on the most recent medical developments, including new advances in technological equipment and medications. You may also need to keep working on ways to boost profitability for the organization.
Manufacturing CEO Jobs
On the other hand, manufacturing firms also require CEOs and these positions can have both pros and cons. Generally, these are going to be some of the largest and most well-known companies so heading them can gain you a great deal of notoriety. Unfortunately, manufacturing jobs in the United States are on the decline which means the public may view you as public enemy number one and you may face tough questions about profitability from the board of directors.
By heading one of these firms, you may be faced with the decision to send some or all of your manufacturing positions overseas where labor costs are going to be lower. You may also be forced to work directly with union leaders in order to negotiate contracts for the employees. These negotiations can be more difficult than you imagine.
Bank CEO Jobs
Although financial institutions may be facing some tough times in current economic times, these jobs as a CEO have always been among the most desirable. As with manufacturing executive positions, these financial positions can often put you in the limelight financially. When you are heading up a financial institution, profitability is still going to be an issue but you will also need to be versed in regulatory law and in the banking industry.
The challenge facing CEOs in the financial sector now and in the near future is finding the balance between extending risky credit to consumers and loosening up the credit requirements enough to keep credit flowing so the economy can keep moving. You may also face some major changes in the industry as the government contemplates purchasing control over banks. If that occurs, you would not only be answering directly to the board of directors but also to the government.
Executive Assistant CEO Jobs
Not all of the jobs that appear in the executive level are going to be at the CEO level. In fact, no CEO can do his or her job without the help of an excellent executive assistant. If you love the idea of being a part of the running of a company without having to be the top decision-maker, this could be a good idea for you. When you are an executive assistant, you face challenges in dealing with often difficult and choosy leaders. Because the leaders are in demand and their time is precious, you will be expected to be available at a moment's notice and at all hours of the day. Your position may be stressful as well. However, you will have reached the highest level obtainable for assistants.
Being CEO
Regardless of which type of CEO jobs you are interested in pursuing, you need to be aware that there are many perks but also drawbacks to working hard to obtain these positions. For example, you may earn an excellent salary – most CEOs earn six figures and up in their positions. You may also receive a wide range of perks, including vehicles, bonuses, and more. However, your job will always be one of the most stressful and time-consuming available. Heading a company is about making the tough decisions and answering to the board of directors when things go wrong. You have to be comfortable dealing with that stress. You will additionally need to give up much of your time. Because you will be required to be available and to travel, you simply may not have enough time for an adequate personal life. If you are running a larger company, you may have less privacy as well.
Becoming a CEO, especially a CEO for a major company in a top industry, is a worthy career goal. However, you need to be aware of what you will be sacrificing to obtain that goal, as well as where to direct your attention if that is your desired work goal. Although succeeding at this goal may be difficult and may not be possible for everyone who desires it, working hard and networking with the right people will give you a tremendous advantage.