Certification Magazine - December 2007 - (Page 34) Working toward a CIO position? Enter ‘CIO’ into CertScope to find more than 50 CertMag articles on this job role, as well as more than 120 Web sites. responsible for all computer operations. As first deputy, I helped outsource both desktop services, as well as mainframe computer operations. Because of my work at the city, I was recommended for this position of CIO here at MPEA.” On the path to becoming a CIO, it is recommended to get involved with different industry organizations. years. As you move up in the organization, your ability to code means less, and strong business skills take precedence.” Both he and Barry said good communication is also a prerequisite. “I’ve held numerous positions in the private sector in positions ranging from business analyst to project manager and internal consulting,” Barry said. “About 10 years ago, I accepted a position with the city of Chicago’s Department of Business and Information Services to work on reinventing city government from a technology perspective. I spent time with the Chicago Police Department in an effort to roll out a criminal history record information system and then accepted a position of first deputy CIO, where I was Tietz is a member of the Illinois CIO Exchange, a forprofit technology industry association for IT leaders to discuss and implement Illinois-based technologies. Barry works with i.c.stars, a nonprofit that provides IT career programs and services to inner-city young adults. She is also a member of the Chicago Chapter of the Society for Information Management (SIM). Beyond technical background and social involvement, many CIOs chart different educational waters, as well. In the past, degrees in software engineering, computer science, information systems or a similar field were mandatory, but many CIOs today have been recruited from more business-focused disciplines. In fact, a CIO is likely to be pulled from the business side of the organization. “In my case, my background is business analysis and project management,” said Barry, adding that she feels her successes are in large part due to her background in math and her master’s degree in business administration. “Math helps with a deep understanding of logic and processes,” she said. “The MBA allows me to understand the dimensions of the business, the opportunities that would be effective for the business, and allows me to understand the impact of IT decisions and opportunities. As CIOs, we must also have a passion for people — both our staff, as well as our customers, internal and external. Understanding and appreciating the efforts necessary to deliver results is Scientists have determined that we only use 10% of our brains. Make the most of it. There’s only one way to prepare for your next certification exam and that’s with Self Test. It’s the only tool you’ll need to improve your IT IQ. Self Test Software helps you figure out what you know and gives you the answers to what you don’t. Hey, you’re already smart. We help you be smarter. w w w. s e l f t e s t s o f t w a re . c o m · 1 - 8 0 0 - 2 4 4 - 7 3 3 0 © 2006 Kaplan IT, Inc. All rights reserved. SELF TEST SOFTWARE® Kaplan IT, Inc. All rights reserved. be smarter http://www.certmag.com http://www.selftestsoftware.com http://www.selftestsoftware.com
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