smart: I am starting out on my career (transitioning from one to another) and see myself as a director or CMO in the future. Is it smart to state this during an interview? What is the best way to state one sees themselves advancing to top executive position? Thanks!Is it smart to say you see yourself as a chief officer in the future?It really depends on where you are now. Experienced executives get irritated with young people who seem to think they can navigate the path from entry level to C-level within a few years, and they also know that even people at a manager or director level usually have no concept of what it really takes to be the leader of a large organization. It might be more prudent to say your ultimate goal is to grow into a leadership position within an organization that shares your values. This gives them the confidence that if they invest in you, you will commit to them long term. And then, if you have the potential to be a great leader and you like the company, you are laying solid ground work to an eventual c-level position.Is it smart to say you see yourself as a chief officer in the future?I don't think you have to be that specific. You can say that you plan to show them how valuable you will be to the company, and that you expect that your talents will be rewarded with the appropriate raises and/or promotions. You don't want the interviewer thinking that you're coming in on Day 1 and gunning for his/her job. That will just put them on the defensive and might sabotage your opportunity to work on projects that will allow you to shine.