Top executives are the highest paid individuals in the workforce and they frequently receive bonuses. Top executives set policies, guide the direction of the organization and are required to work under stress making decisions that could make or break an organization. Being in charge of an organization is a Type A job for Type A personalities with long hours, late nights, weekend work and lots of travel. http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos012.htm If you are ambitious, thrive in stressful situations, and want to be in charge, then this how to become a top executive page is for you.

Top Executives in organizations are known by various titles, usually referred to just by the initials, such as CEO, COO, CFO, CIO, respectively, chief executive officer, chief operations officer, chief financial officer and chief information officer. Top Executives also may have titles like board chair, president, vice-president, or commissioner. While almost all have at least a bachelor's degree, many have a graduate degree, usually an MBA. Education and experience requirements vary from one type of organization to another. The requirements for a Chief Financial Officer in a Fortune 500 company are quite different from the background required for a University President. Individuals striving to become Top Executives will need to fine tune their education and experience based upon their specific field of interest.

There is no direct path from college graduation to top executive, it takes hard work and perseverance. Most top executives have moved up the ranks in their specific area. It is essential to become known as the go-to person for answers to complex problems, the one who always has the best idea and can convince others to implement their ideas.

Becoming a top executive requires leadership skills, self confidence and most importantly, the ability to quickly analyze large amount of data, form an accurate conclusion and make a rapid decision. A top executive must not only have motivation and self confidence, they must be able to bring out these qualities in others.

There is no substitute for hard work and long hours in the quest to be the top executive your organization, or another organization in your chosen field. It is important to network, making contacts wherever you go. Let your personality shine—confidence, not arrogance is the fine line you need to walk. Often those who are promoted are individuals who have already shown the capability to do the work in the new position. So don't hold back, show them your skills and knowledge.