In corporate parlance, they say life can get lonely at the top. This holds good for female executives more than their male counterparts. Research indicates that women account for around 2% when it comes to senior positions such as a CEO, president, or Chairperson. However, there are plenty of opportunities for every hard working woman to climb to the top of the corporate ladder. The route to the top is similar to that of men. An encouraging fact is that an increasing number of women have taken on senior executive roles in the past decade.

Therefore, what does it take for a woman for reach the top echelons in an organization - is there such a thing as a free pass to gender equality in management? To begin with, a sound college education is a positive step in the right direction. Most of the top women senior executives today have at least a four-year undergraduate degree. Many are armed with MBAs while some have graduate degrees in management. You don't need to be a Harvard, Columbia, MIT, or Stanford graduate, but a solid education does pave the way to the top.

Education may provide a good foundation for senior executive positions. However, it needs to be reinforced with experience. Various levels of experience in multiple capacities within the industry provides the perfect boost for every woman to become a CEO. Women that start their career at a lower level and have worked their way up the ladder thereby gaining experience, are better qualified for a CEO's post. Gradually moving into positions with higher responsibility does pave the way for many women to become a CEO. Women who master a line of business tend to automatically be promoted to senior executive positions. The secret is to work hard, exhibit leadership skills, and look for the big break, which is most likely to come by as long as you pursue your goals.

Successful CEOs need to have sound knowledge of both business and finance. Many of the top women CEOs are known to excel in these areas before reaching the top. Andrea Yung, Indra Nooyi, and Martha Stewart are among the top CEOs who are well experienced in business and finance. In all these cases, what brought these successful women to the forefront is the leadership roles in managing a product line or a division. In many organizations, senior executive positions are hired from within the company, which makes it essential for every aspiring woman executive to continue moving up the ladder. Management experience indicates one's willingness to accept responsible roles and enhance their leadership skills.

There is no disputing the fact that with good education, extensive experience, and sound business and finance knowledge, female executives do have the potential to become CEOs. Those who are willing to seek greater responsibilities and communicate will find themselves comfortable in the role of a CEO. There is no need for any drastic approach like a feminist movement in the corporate world. Here is hoping that the increasing number of women in senior executive roles will encourage and pave the way for many more women CEOs in every industry today.