The body of top-level executives leading a company is known as the C-suite. These leaders are responsible for the strategies involved in keeping the company profitable. They make the decisions that set the course for the organization’s future.
For communication professionals aspiring to be among these influential leaders, one important step is to pursue an advanced degree in communication management. Earning a master’s degree can help aspiring leaders learn the necessary critical skills that can translate to C-suite and other high-level communication positions.
What Is the C-Suite?
Executive management and leadership as a whole within a company is commonly referred to as the C-suite. The “C” refers to “chief,” which is the level of their title. Here are a few examples of the most common C-suite titles:
- Chief executive officer (CEO)
- Chief operating officer (COO)
- Chief financial officer (CFO)
- Chief information officer (CIO)
- Chief technical officer (CTO)
The C-suite is the top level of an organization’s leadership. Professionals at this level are tasked with making the decisions that keep the company on track to achieve its goals. C-suite members hire directors and other managers whom they entrust to uphold the mission and keep different departments in the organization operating effectively. C-suite leaders guide their organizations to success while keeping the big picture in sight.
For a C-suite executive, the stakes are high. They are accountable for all business decisions, day-to-day operations and their company’s profitability. At the same time, they are responsible for their employees’ livelihoods and workplace culture, and their company’s public image. This level of effort and responsibility is quite lucrative — C-suite executives can be extremely well paid.
C-Suite Positions for Communication Majors
For those interested in high-level communication roles in an organization, pursuing an education focused on communication, such as USC’s Master of Communication Management (MCM), can help build a solid foundation of essential workplace skills. Communication master’s degree graduates can pursue roles in any of a wide variety of specialties, like digital strategy, public relations or product management, that can lead to a C-suite career.
Earning a master’s degree in communication is just one step on the path toward a C-suite position, or any other of the highest paying jobs in communication, like communication director, brand strategist or public relationships manager.
What is the C-suite position best suited to those interested in leading communication strategy in a company? Here are a few possibilities of C-suite positions for communication majors:
Chief Marketing Officer
The role of a chief marketing officer (CMO) is to lead and oversee all of a company’s advertising and promotions, and to lead the marketing team. CMOs have extensive industry experience and usually advance their career through marketing or sales. CMOs report to the CEO and usually hire and manage the leaders of the marketing team. They must be exceptionally skilled in leadership, storytelling, brand strategy, product development and market innovation.
Chief Communications Officer
The CCO is the executive responsible for leading a company’s public relations. CCOs possess leadership, communication and brand strategy skills as they relate to the company’s public image.
As the head of the marketing and communication teams, they oversee advertising and media relations with the responsibility of building brand awareness. They lead efforts to influence and monitor how the public perceives the brand, and they communicate business strategy to investors and shareholders. CCOs also lead a company’s internal communications by managing messaging to employees about product launches, procedures, announcements and other special events.
Chief Executive Officer
The chief executive officer (CEO) is the top executive of a company, and all other C-suite leaders report to them. CEOs are the connection between a company and its board of directors. They ensure that the company upholds the board’s directives and goals while maintaining profitability. To do this, the CEO must rely on the rest of the C-suite to manage the company’s departments and to advise on high-level decisions.
There is no singular path to becoming a CEO. Leaders from nearly any department in a company can pursue this career path if they have expert-level skills in leadership and decision-making, as well as a proven track record of successful business growth and an extensive professional network.
Essential Skills for C-Suite Roles
Students who pursue a communication management degree can learn from seasoned professionals in the field from a variety of industries. They can focus on developing skills such as:
- Written and verbal communication skills
- Analytical and strategic thinking skills
- Research skills
- Decision-making skills
- Leadership skills
Take a Seat at the Leadership Table
The C-suite is an exclusive group that many aspire to join. There’s no one way to reach the C-suite, but top executives generally share certain characteristics: They are ambitious, experienced and innovative, and they have significant professional networks, advanced degrees and high-level credentials.
C-suite executives drive strategic decisions that are pivotal to a company’s growth. They do not simply follow market trends — they are the visionaries who set them. Drawing on extensive industry wisdom, they can inspire teams, create a culture of excellence within an organization and make a lasting impact on a company and how the world views it.
Find out how enrolling in USC’s online MCM can help you develop the essential executive-level skills you’ll need to pursue an exciting and challenging career in communication leadership.
Recommended Readings
Is a Master of Communication Management Worth the Cost?
High Level of Communication: Connecting with the C-Suite
Communication in a Global Marketplace
Sources:
Indeed, “What Are the 9 Roles of a CMO (Chief Marketing Officer)?”
Indeed, “16 Top Jobs for Graduates with Communications Degrees”
Investopedia, “The Basics of Corporate Structure”
Investopedia, “What Is the C Suite?: Meaning and Positions Defined”
ZipRecruiter, What Is a Chief Communications Officer and How to Become One