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What are the most important subjects for a future CEO, and what extra topics should I study on my own?

I'm in Grade 9 taking business studies, economics, accountancy, and computer science. I want to become a CEO in the future. I would also like to know what the skills and responsibilities are.

computer-science accounting economics business-studies
Thank you comment icon Before you ask how to be a CEO, you should ask yourself some questions first. Why do you want to be a CEO? Do you just want to make more money or own a business? It's better to understand what a CEO's job is before asking what skills are needed to be a CEO. Some self-reflection to know what is important to you is the first step. Stephen Mak
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Michael’s Answer

It’s great that you’re thinking about this early. CEOs are responsible for setting strategy, making big decisions, leading teams, and representing the company to investors, customers, and employees. The most important skills are leadership, communication, problem-solving, and the ability to learn quickly. There’s no single path to becoming a CEO. Many study business, economics, engineering, or computer science. What matters most is building curiosity, resilience, and real-world experience over time.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to know you would like to become a CEO in.the future.
Below are a few essential skills you can learn and practice:
1. Attend management courses
2. Communication
3. Time management
4. Stakeholders management
5. Conflict management
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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Caitlin’s Answer

Wow, Fathimath - I admire your ambition and the goals you have set for yourself!

I am not a CEO or anywhere close, but I have worked for a lot of really great leaders, and I think that is a great place you can start. Think about leaders you have worked with and the qualities that made them great leaders. A lot of what you will need to learn is going to come from your experience. But qualities like empathy, communication, critical thinking, those are skills you can practice now.

I think good CEOs are agile; they do a lot of research on current trends and think about where the future of their industry is going. They are open to others' ideas, and they want their team members to feel comfortable sharing their opinions, even if is not a positive one. Sometimes you need people on your team who will respectfully challenge your ideas and motivate you to look at a problem differently. I think that a good CEO seeks out diverse perspectives; they try to put people on their 'advisory board' who have had different life experiences compared to theirs and who can offer a different way of thinking about how to solve a problem.

I can't wait to see what the future holds for you!
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Krystle’s Answer

Love that you already have your sights set on a goal! One thing most CEOs have in common is they value relationships and understand the importance of cultivating meaningful relationships, both within their organization and externally as well. A high aptitude in Human skills, combined with technical competency in your area of expertise, is really important to keep climbing the ladder. You're taking some great classes that will help with your technical competency. I would encourage you to take classes related to communication, speech, psychology, etc. that will help enhance your human skills and emotional intelligence as well. Good luck!
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Allan’s Answer

To be a CEO, the most important subject for you now is English so you can understand documents and problems quickly, write and speak proficiently and learn to think logically. A good CEO is a good communicator. Practice taking the initiative to talk to other students, teachers, and adults. Learn how to communicate with anyone.

Math is also important so you have a basic understanding of math for college or university. The other courses you're taking will also help.

Think about what kind of company you are interested in being the CEO of and take some related science courses. A CEO should have a good understanding of the company's products and services. And take more computer science courses if they are related to your interests and potential company.
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Lena’s Answer

Hi Fathimath - This is a great question and I love your ambition. I think you're on the right path with focusing on a general business background, and I encourage you to also focus on human skills such as leadership, team management, communication, and adaptability. You can self-study to develop your human skills - I recommend you check out online learning courses and content. Also, one key thing that we see from leaders like CEOs is a focus on the news and trends in the business sector. Consider subscribing to business news publications to hone your business knowledge and stay current on the landscape. Set your goals high and keep working to achieve them. You've got this!
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Kate’s Answer

Hi Faithimath - so proud of you for aiming for the stars! You can do whatever you set your mind to, always remember that.

One suggestion I may give you is to think of some of your favorite brands - learn about their values, their mission, follow their current CEO's/leaders and start to read about what is top of mind in the world today for businesses. It will make sure you are staying relevant and shaping your education / choosing your classes to align with what is top of mind for businesses today. The CEO is likely surrounded by leaders in different aspects of the business (whether it be technology, finance, people, etc.) so ensure you follow them too as a great business is about an entire leadership team :)

Good luck!
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Vania’s Answer

Hi Fathimath!

Along with what others have mentioned, I recommend looking into psychology, especially Industrial/Organizational Psychology. This can help you understand how to boost performance in organizations using proven methods. I/O psychologists work with top leaders to improve workplace culture and decision-making, so learning about their insights and research could really benefit your company in the future.

Hope this helps, and wishing you lots of success!
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Yoav’s Answer

It's so impressive that you're already setting such ambitious goals in the ninth grade, and having that kind of vision for your future is the first real step toward leadership. The subjects you have chosen are a perfect foundation because a CEO needs to understand the language of money through accounting, the mechanics of the market through economics, and the future of innovation through computer science. However, beyond the classroom, the most successful leaders are those who master the human side of business, so I would encourage you to study psychology and communication on your own to understand what truly motivates people and how to build a cohesive team. A CEOs main responsibilities involve setting a long-term vision, making tough decisions under pressure, and acting as the bridge between the company and the world, which requires skills like emotional intelligence, public speaking, and strategic thinking. You might find it helpful to read biographies of leaders you admire or even start a small project or club today to practice the art of delegating and problem-solving in real time. Remember that being a leader is as much about serving your team as it is about leading them, and your curiosity and drive at this age are clear indicators that you have what it takes to succeed. You are building a very strong toolkit for yourself, and I am excited to think about the companies you will lead one day. Good luck.
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Jerome’s Answer

Love the ambition. I’ve owned my own company and worked as a VP for 3 others. From my experience, a good CEO needs to be able to get individuals from various backgrounds and experiences to align their vision towards a single goal. Skills that help with this are conflict resolution, understanding group dynamics (psychology) and being able to drive your business towards profitability (business/entrepreneurship).

The good thing is that you don’t have to have all these skills, you can potentially surround yourself with others who can’t support some of them.

Excited for your journey!
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Kandace’s Answer

There isn’t one perfect list of subjects for a future CEO, but the most important ones help you understand both business and people.

In school, subjects like math, economics, and basic finance are important because they teach you how money, numbers, and decisions work. Writing and communication classes matter just as much — CEOs spend a lot of time explaining ideas, telling stories, and aligning people around a vision. Classes that involve teamwork, debate, or presentations help build leadership skills early.

Outside of school, what really sets future leaders apart is the habit of always learning. A great CEO is constantly growing and learning new sides of the business — not just their favorite part. That means learning a little about finance, marketing, operations, technology, and strategy, even if one of those feels uncomfortable at first.

People skills are just as critical. Learning how to listen, give feedback, handle conflict, and understand different perspectives will matter more than any single class. Reading is one of the best ways to build this — biographies of leaders, business books, psychology, history, and even fiction all help you understand how people think and make decisions.

The biggest mindset to develop is this: never stop learning. Be curious, ask questions, and keep investing in yourself. That habit will matter far more than any single subject on your schedule.
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