Vice President
On this page
- What's it like to be a Vice President?
- How to become a Vice President
- Latest Vice President jobs
- Top skills and experience for Vice Presidents
What's it like to be a Vice President?
Vice Presidents are second in command to the company President. They support senior management by supervising the department heads of the organisation. They are typically in charge of overseeing the operations of a company, attending board meetings, and legally representing the organisation. They make crucial decisions in the absence of a President, and may be tasked to handle the company’s finances. Leadership, communication, and problem-solving are key skills for the role. Vice Presidents work in corporations, nonprofit organisations and educational institutions.
Tasks and duties
- Implementing company goals set by stakeholders and executives.
- Evaluating and mentoring company department heads.
- Attending board meetings and presenting performance analyses.
- Setting and approving company budgets.
- Signing legal documents and representing the company in legal affairs.
- Mitigating risks and making recommendations for company growth.
- Making key company decisions.
Vice Presidents must possess a strong understanding of their industry structure and trends, preferably with an established network of business partners and clients. They must constantly update their knowledge and benchmark the company with competitors.
How to become a Vice President
To become a Vice President, a bachelor degree, years of industry experience and proven leadership capabilities are required. Most Vice Presidents hold postgraduate degrees and have held managerial positions.
Graduate with a bachelor degree in management, finance, or another industry-specific field.
Complete an internship at a recognised company.
Gain leadership experience by running for school office, organising events, or starting a small business.
Get an entry-level job in your industry of choice.
Progress to supervisory and managerial roles.
Obtain certification in leadership, such as Executive Certificate in Leadership and People Management, or other industry-relevant qualifications.
Complete a Master in Business Administration (MBA).
