How to become a CMO | edX

How to become a CMOBecoming a chief marketing officer (CMO) requires years of dedication, strategic career growth, and continuous learning. It begins with meeting the foundational education requirements and advancing through various marketing roles. Read on to discover more about CMOs and how to get started on your path to becoming one. Browse online business programs and coursesWhat does a CMO do?CMOs leverage their marketing and business acumen to oversee a company's marketing strategy. As a senior executive, the responsibilities of a CMO include managing a company's brand, analyzing market trends, and driving business growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for top executives like CMOs was $103,840 in 2023.Steps to become a CMOStep 1: Earn a bachelor's degreeA degree in marketing is the most common pathway for CMOs. Other degrees in business, communications, or more specialized fields may also be appropriate, especially when paired with a post-graduate credential in marketing or another appropriate field.Step 2: Gain marketing experienceIf you plan to become a marketing leader, you'll need to build substantial hands-on experience. Start in entry-level positions such as marketing assistant or coordinator and steadily work your way up the ladder. Try to focus on building a diverse skill set and take on increasing levels of responsibility.Step 3: Consider a master's degreeMost companies prefer (or even require) their CMO to have a master's degree. These high-level executives must possess not only advanced marketing expertise but also strong leadership and business acumen.To meet these demands, many aspiring CMOs choose to pursue a master's degree at some point in their career. Master's degrees in marketing and MBAs with a specialization in marketing are popular choices.Step 4: Build leadership and management skillsAs your career advances, look for positions that give you a chance to build and display your leadership abilities. At first, you might take on roles where you lead a small team — perhaps a marketing or customer relations manager. From there, you could progress into more senior positions like director or VP of marketing.Get started on edXReady to take the next step on your path to becoming CMO? Browse edX's business management courses to add to your skill set and résumé.Stand out in your fieldUse the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.Learn at your own paceOn your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.Earn a valuable credentialShowcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.Explore all online business programs and courses Frequently asked questionsWhat degree is required to become a CMO?There's no degree that is specifically required to become a CMO, but a bachelor's in marketing followed by an MBA can be a good choice. These credentials can help you build essential marketing skills so you may advance in the field.How much does a CMO make a year?The salaries for CMOs can vary widely depending on the company, location, and industry. According to the BLS, the median annual salary for top executives like CMOs was $103,840 in 2023.How long does it take to become a CMO?There's no set timeline for how long it takes to become a CMO, but a good guideline is around 10–20 years. People appointed to senior executive roles often have at least 10–15 years of experience as well as a bachelor's degree. In smaller companies, it might be possible to become a CMO sooner, while larger companies tend to look for candidates with more experience.