The Strong Interest Test® analyzes the personal interests and workplace preferences of individuals in order to help them choose a career that they will enjoy and where they can apply their skills. The individual is directed to one to three of six Theme Code Categories, each of which contains a different set of careers which are explored in a rating type scale to find the most suitably matched occupations. The Strong Interest Inventory® is a reliable, valuable starting point, whether you are choosing your first career path or considering moving in a new direction.

CEO Career and Statistics

Discover the Strong Interest Inventory® career as a CEO. Learn about this career in this data rich write-up including information such as income, daily tasks, required education and more.

The Chief Executive Officer Career falls within The Enterprising Theme Code Category because CEO’s are highly motivated, driven individuals who value success. Chief Executive Officer’s are responsible for leading companies and public sector organizations. They provide overall direction and work closely with a board of directors or other governing body to ensure the success of their organization. Functioning as an executive is a highly demanding job. Chief Executives might coordinate financial or budget activities, appoint department heads or managers, analyze operations, direct human resource activities, evaluate market research, or take other steps to determine what new directions the organization may need to move in as well as how the organization’s internal processes can be improved. Motivating change also involves communicating with key stakeholders, including investors, board members, and potential business partners. Depending on the organization’s industry or niche, CEO’s may also need to develop relationships with local, state, or federal government leaders, attend hearings or committee meetings, and represent their organizations at other functions or conferences. In short, Chief Executives need to do whatever it takes to keep their organizations productive and, most importantly, profitable.

CEO’s use a number of different technologies to compete these tasks, including accounting software (e.g., Intuit QuickBooks), content workflow software (e.g., Atlassian JIRA), document management software (e.g., Adobe Systems Adobe Acrobat), and other specialized software designed for specific functions. In addition, they need to be highly familiar with Microsoft Office Suite, web browser software, and other commonly used office software. While the specific tools and programs used may vary across industries and organizations, a level of expertise is expected.

Most Chief Executives Officers have a background in administration and management, personnel and human resources, and customer and personal service, as well as an expertise in the area their organization specializes in. In addition, they must have well-developed leadership skills, communication skills, and decision-making and reasoning skills. They develop these skills not only through experience in their position, but also through pursuit of higher education.  Nearly half of all CEO’s hold a Master’s or Bachelor’s Degree, with the remainder holding a professional or research degree such as a J.D., M.D., or Ph.D. This depth of academic and real-world experience supports Chief Executives not only in securing this position to begin with, but also in maintaining the continued success of their organizations.

CEO’s salaries can vary widely in different parts of the country, though the median income is $183,270 annually. In most of the country, including along the east and west coasts, as well as in the highly populated and growing states of Texas, Illinois, and Colorado, Chief Executives salaries commonly exceeds $200,000. However, in Montana, Mississippi, Idaho, and other less developed states, the median wage can be as low as $76,560 (in Idaho). This career is very common, with over 300,000 Chief Executives employed across the country. However, in the next several years it is predicted to decline by 2% or more annually.

Below are some employment trends for Chief Executives:

  • Median Salary: $81.11 hourly; $183,270 annually
  • Employment: 309,000 employees
  • Projected growth (2016-2026): Decline (-2% or lower)
  • Projected job openings (2016-2026): 20,000
[Information retrieved from Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2016-2026 employment projections]

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Click below to access more information regarding Enterprising Theme Code Careers:

Amusement and Recreational Attendants, Baristas, Clinical Nurse Specialists, Clinical Research Coordinators, Elementary and Secondary School Education Administrators, Environmental Economists, Financial Managers, Forest Firefighting Supervisors, Farm Labor Contractors, Flight Attendants, Fundraisers, Human Resources Specialists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, Information Technology Project Managers, Insurance Sales Agents, Investment Fund Managers, Judges and Magistrates, Lawyers, Real Estate Brokers, Real Estate Agents, Retail Salespersons, Sales Managers, Security Managers, Ship and Boat Captains, Skincare Specialists, Taxi Driver and Chauffeurs, Telemarketers, Travel Guides, and Wholesale and Retail Buyers

 

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References

  1. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data and 2012-2022 employment projections Onetonline.org