With the demand for top IT talent outweighing the supply, skilled CIOs know that the next great opportunity might be right around the corner — and they’re keeping their eyes open. According to the September healthsystemCIO.com SnapSurvey, 81 percent of CIOs have clearly defined career objectives and are taking steps to achieve them, whether it’s by participating in educational events, pursuing a Master’s degree, or seeking certification from CHIME or other professional organizations.
“Becoming more involved with groups such as CHIME helps create huge learning opportunities,” said one participant.
Some are simply keeping the door open by networking, with 43 percent of respondents noting that they attend events often and check in with peers on a regular basis.
Another emerging trend is that CIOs are no longer just CIOs, according to the survey, which found that 57 percent hold additional titles, from executive VP to CMIO to COO. But whether a CIO is actively seeking other opportunities or is content at his or her current organization, there is a common thread in the desire to build a solid resume and a strong network, and be ready if opportunity does happen to knock.
(SnapSurveys are answered by the healthsystemCIO.com CIO Advisory Panel. To go directly to a full-size version of any individual chart, click on that chart.)
1. Where do you stand in terms of career goals?
I have clearly defined career goals and I’m taking steps to achieve them
- I have, for the past 15 years, established goals and worked toward them.
- I had a defined career goal, took steps to achieve it, but then determined that I disliked the role.
- Retirement is my goal — after meeting MU Stage 2, having successfully met MU Stage 1.
I have identified goals, but I haven’t taken steps in that direction
I haven’t thought about my next steps
2. Do you hold an additional title in addition to CIO, or is it something you’re pursuing?
Yes
- CMIO
- VP of Information Services, MBA & CHCIO
- CFO
- Executive Director Tiger Institute for Health Care Innovation
- Senior Vice President — I do like the trend from some of my peers, including Chief Innovation Officer.
- One of my early goals was to be a CIO by the time I was 45. I attained that goal many years ago.
- Associate VP
- Director, Information Services
- EVP
- COO
- Chief Administrative Officer
- Associate VP
No
3. What steps are you taking to expand your skillset?
Seeking certification from CHIME or another professional organization
Attending educational events
- Even though I am a very long-term active member, I believe in many ways the CHIME CIO certification process actually is a net negative to the profession/position of being a CIO.
- I am an active chime member but not pursuing certification. I mostly read a lot and talk to peers.
Pursuing a master’s degree
None
- Only because my current looming career goal is retirement in two years.
Other
- Medical Informatics Boards, CHCIO certification
- Reading, speaking engagements, panels, etc.
- Combination of all listed
- Active member of CHIME. Becoming a more active member in the groups, I feel becoming more involved with groups such as CHIME helps create huge learning opportunities.
- Opportunities to expand my non-IT work
4. What type of networking activities do you currently engage in?
I attend events often and check in with peers on a regular basis
I engage in networking activities every once in a while
Only when I have a specific need
Never
5. If an ideal career opportunity presented itself tomorrow, would you feel confident in pursuing it?
Yes
- Prepared, yes, but interested in making a change? No.
No
- Not because I am not ready, but because I have ties to the public retirement system and to central Ohio that overshadow my other career aspirations.
I’m not sure
- I’m honestly not sure, which may equate to no. Ideally, CEO of tech or healthcare company or COO of existing company.
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