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Katherine Simmonds Agent

What steps should I take to become a CFO or possibly COO

Asked on March 27, 2016

I am currently a college student and graduate this summer with my associates. In the fall I will be attending Cal State Fullerton for my ba in business administration. I have the option to choose a focus: management, finance, accounting, etc. Which focus should I choose? I'm very determined to become a cfo and maybe even a coo working for a non profit organization or a larger company. Currently I work part time at my Dads office. He owns a small construction company. On my spare time I enjoy volunteering and in a few months hope to be administrating an event at a new location closer to my home. I could really use advice and hopefully a mentor. What steps would you advise to do next? Should I work at a retail store for a few years and work my way up to a management position for experience? Or enter the banking industry? Also should I pursue an mba instead of a ba? I'm 21 years old and want to use my time efficiently to get to my desired goals. You're response will be very much appreciated!

Answers

EMERSON GALFO's headshot
EMERSON GALFO CFO • March 27, 2016

A good background (education) in either finance or accounting and a lot of exposure to operations/projects. Ditch the retail store experience option and try to get more responsibilities/projects from your dad's firm. Try to get away from the "secretary assistant" designation and slowly ask for more projects/responsibilities. This way, you are getting your education (in the field that you think you want to be in) and at the same time getting exposure for operations.

If your dad's firm (operations) is not an option, look for companies (it does not matter if it is in the industry that you want to be in, but it will help to get a feel of the industry) that you can intern with.

Take your time, expose yourself to a variety of experiences. Even if you have a general idea of what you want to be....you don't have to decide now ...but you can PREPARE yourself for it. Like getting general curricula subjects and feeling your way into what specific area of expertise (finance or accounting) you want to be in

Put it another way, you don't have to decide your specific path now, but it sure helps going in the right direction.

My last advice is to slowly develop your network especially with decision makers. Posting here is actually a good step.

It doesn't feel right (to me) being called a mentor but always happy to help. You can reach out anytime.

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Katherine Simmonds's headshot
Katherine Simmonds Agent • March 28, 2016

Thank you for your response, I really appreciate it.

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Filed Under: Human Capital
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