What do you need to study to become a CEO? Did you know that one in three Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) in global companies graduated with engineering degrees, and only 11% graduated with business administration degrees?
Let’s take a look at some world-class CEOs, such as Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, who holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology, India.
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and industrial engineering from Auburn University.
Jeff Bezos, CEO of Amazon, holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and electrical engineering from Princeton University.
Tesla’s Elon Musk also has an engineering degree, and there are many CEOs who have engineering backgrounds.
In our country, the proportion of CEOs and senior executives who graduated with an engineering background are also quite high, such as Mr. Rungroj Rangsiyopas, CEO of Siam Cement Public Company Limited, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from Chulalongkorn University.
Mr. Sarath Ratanavadi, Chief Executive Officer of Gulf Energy Development Public Company Limited, graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Chulalongkorn University.
Mr. Banthoon Lamsam, Chief Executive Officer, Kasikornbank Public Company Limited, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Princeton University.
Mr. Chatsiri Sophonpanich, President of Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from the Polytechnic Institute of Worcester, USA.
It was also found that there is more interesting information that many successful entrepreneurs or business owners have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Why is it easier to have a background or degree in engineering, or a tendency to become a high-level executive or become a successful business owner?
In this era, it is no longer necessary that those who study engineering must work as engineers. We see many examples of people who graduate in this field going to work in other fields, such as finance, banking, food, or even entertainment, etc.
Every success in a career starts with an educational foundation. For example, studying engineering, even though many people may complain that it is difficult or boring, in the 4 years of study, we have accumulated skills, perspectives, and ways of thinking like an engineer.
But not everyone can use these skills or abilities. This depends on each person’s ability to apply them to their work to what extent. However, those who graduate in engineering still have an advantage in achieving long-term success compared to other fields.
Let’s take a look at why engineers can start quickly and go far in many careers.
“No matter what business you do, you need technology.”
We are in the era of Disruptive Technology and Digital Transformation. People who graduate in engineering have an advantage over other careers because they have more knowledge and understanding. Because they already have knowledge and understanding, they can adapt and respond to changes in these matters faster and easier than people who come from other careers.
“No matter what business you do, you have to look at the big picture and the big picture.”
Big Picture is seeing the big picture and Holistic View is seeing the big picture. These two are important skills that managers need to have. The advantage of engineers is that they can see the big picture of various matters in a broad and systematic way, seeing the interconnected components. This skill helps in decision making and problem solving very well.
“No matter what business you do, you have to understand every detail.”
Attention to detail is another important factor that makes many executives successful. But it has to be the details in important matters, not every detail. As engineers, who are instilled with the idea of experimenting, researching, or finding answers in matters that require logic and reason, understanding details is not difficult for this group of people.
“No matter what business you do, you have to be good at solving problems.”
Another important skill for being a manager or business owner is problem-solving skills. No matter what business you do, you will definitely encounter problems. But what makes a business go fast or not go on depends on the manager’s problem-solving ability.
People with an engineering background have a considerable advantage because being an engineer is instilled with the concept of problem-solving, such as reducing costs, reducing costs, for efficiency, etc. As a result, they can apply these skills to solving business problems more easily than other professions.
When it comes to endurance and effort, those who graduate with an engineering degree are second to none. With an engineer’s perspective, along with the basic desire to experiment, to prove a hypothesis, or to create something new, these things require a great deal of endurance and effort.
That is another reason why most successful, committed and persistent executives come from engineering fields.
Let’s say we are already on the engineering career path or are studying in this field and are hesitating or not sure whether this path is good or not?
Don’t worry too much. The career path or education in this field can be extended from the career path, such as becoming an expert, entering the management line easily. Or you can move on to study for a master’s degree or doctorate in other fields such as management or finance. It can be said that it can be extended to a wider range.
If you really want to be a CEO, it doesn’t mean that people who studied or graduated in other fields can’t compete with people who graduated in engineering.
Because for someone to be successful, it is not just about having a good education. They must also have a good attitude and other good elements and skills.
In every career, technical skills related to that career are essential for growth, but to be successful in that career, soft skills are even more important.
Now we have to look back and see where we are and whether our path has become narrowed.
If so, it’s time to Upskill and Reskill both Technical and Soft Skills.
Source:
https://engineeringmanagementinstitute.org/engineers-great-ceos
https://www.inc.com/jim-schleckser/want-your-kid-to-be-a-ceo-they-should-study-engineering.html
https://www.business.com/articles/engineers-make-good-ceos
https://interestingengineering.com/top-5-reasons-why-engineers-make-the-best-ceoske-the-best-ceos
