Scrum is a framework for project management used to organize and work on a project to make it have effective results. It is a set of tools and resources used to get the best out of a project. Scrum is one of the most widely-used project management frameworks, as it encourages focus and productivity. It also encourages transparency between the management, team members, and clients.
The increased use of scrum has also increased the demand for professionals handling the framework. This is where the scrum masters come in. A scrum master ensures a great working relationship and guides others to understand scrum principles, values, and practices. They use this to help the team streamline their work and achieve their goals. Anyone interested in the career can start by being a junior scrum master and then proceed to become a senior scrum master.
There are not many differences between junior and senior scrum masters. But senior scrum managers are more experienced than their junior counterparts, making it easier for them to negotiate a higher salary. They can earn between $55,000 to $170,000, with $107,000 being the average.
Even though scrum master jobs are required in many organizations, driving up the demand for professionals in the area, it is difficult to get a job. Hence, we have teamed up with experts from job aggregator Jooble to discuss what it takes to become a junior scrum master. We will also give some tips to get employed and do well on the job.
What Do You Need To Become A Junior Scrum Master?
Like many other careers, there are steps to take to become a scrum master. Below are the paths to trend to become a professional in this field:
- Education
The first step is getting the necessary education. Although you are not required to have a certain level of education to become a junior scrum master, most employers usually request a bachelor’s degree.
You can consider a bachelor’s degree in business administration, project management, business management, or related fields. You can also consider a degree in computer science or a related field, as being a scrum master is a tech job related to software development.
- Basic Knowledge
The next step is getting familiar with the field. You can get the basic knowledge about scrum theory and principles online. You should also consider taking courses in project management, software development, business communication, etc.
- Certification
Another important step toward being a scrum master is getting a scrum certification. The most popular Scrum master certification is the Professional Scrum Master Certification. The course usually takes two days and is taught by a certified trained scrum master.
- Skills
Apart from the education and training requirements, you need some skills to navigate the job space of junior scrum masters successfully. Some of these skills are innate and must be honed, while others need you to train for them. Some of the necessary skills for this role include organization, communication, adaptability, problem-solving skills, a can-do attitude, software development skills, etc.
- Experience
Although the junior scrum master position is for beginners, it is not entry-level. A junior scrum master differs from a senior scrum master in years of experience. However, a junior scrum master also needs some experience to get the job. You can start by interning in positions related to project management, software development, and other related posts.
Also, you need to intern and use your scrum master skills and courses in real-life test situations before using them to apply for jobs.
- Networking
A community is always vital to excel in anything one does. It is, therefore, time to start networking with fellow scrum masters, project managers, and agile framework users. You can start by joining a community with your friends, classmates, teachers, and others close to you first. You can then join a larger community as you advance in your career.
- Job Search
With every preliminary work done, it is time to try getting a junior scrum master job. You need to create a matching resume to start looking for a job. The resume should contain your necessary information, education and work experience, scrum master certification, and skills.
Tips For Being A Great Scrum Master
Although there is a high demand for scrum masters, it is not as easy. Therefore, it is vital to go beyond the basic. Putting in extra work will not only make finding a scrum master job easier, but it will also help you to thrive in the field.
- Team Worker
Being a team worker is essential to become a successful scrum master. A scrum master fosters collaboration and facilitates the relationship between their team members. It is therefore important to understand how a team works in the first place, to enable you to do the job successfully.
- Excellent Communicator
Another thing that can help you get a junior scrum master job is your communication ability. You must have excellent spoken and written communication skills to contact and do well in a scrum master position. A scrum master has to deal with the team members, the management, and the clients. Your communication skills will be tested right from your CV. Your word usage on the CV, cover letter, and how you communicate during the interview can tell whether or not you will be considered for the job.
- >Understand Team Development
A scrum master leads the team and helps them achieve their goals. Therefore, you must understand how to work for the team’s development. Also, you must have faith in your team and assign tasks to them. In addition, recruitment officers can ask practical questions about how you wish to achieve this during the interview. You can also be asked to give practical situations of how you have done it before.
- Professional Coach
One of the duties of a scrum master is coaching their team on scrum rules and principles. You must be able to impact knowledge and ensure you can capture your team’s influence. You must also be able to gain influence over people and exert the influence positively.
Conclusion
The scrum master career path is growing at a rapid rate and holds lots of promises. The scope has touched the heights, and everyone wants to explore it.
If you are one of those wondering how to navigate the job market as a junior scrum master, this article has given tips on what to do and how to go about it.