Many people interested in working in tech wonder if it’s difficult to get a job as a Scrum Master. The role of Scrum Master has become increasingly popular over the last several years as more companies adopt agile methodologies like Scrum. So is it hard to become a Scrum Master? Let’s take a look at what’s involved.
The short answer is that it can be challenging to break into the field if you don’t have prior experience. However, it’s certainly not impossible. There are some key things you can do to boost your chances of getting hired as a Scrum Master even if you’re coming from a different background.
What is a Scrum Master?
Before diving into how to get a Scrum Master job, let’s make sure we understand what the role entails.
The Scrum Master is essentially the facilitator and servant-leader for a team using the Scrum framework. Scrum is one of the most popular agile methodologies. It emphasizes things like transparency, inspection, and adaptation within a team.
Some of the Scrum Master’s core responsibilities include:
– Facilitating Scrum events like sprint planning, daily standups, sprint reviews, and retrospectives
– Coaching the team and product owner on the Scrum process
– Helping the team follow Scrum values and practices
– Removing impediments standing in the team’s way
– Building a high-performing self-organizing team
It’s a complex role that requires skills like leadership, collaboration, communication, and an in-depth understanding of agile principles.
What skills and experience do you need?
In most cases, companies will look for these types of qualifications when hiring Scrum Masters:
– Prior experience serving as a Scrum Master or in other agile roles
– Certifications like the Scrum Alliance’s Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Professional Scrum Master (PSM)
– Experience with agile practices and frameworks like Scrum and Kanban
– Strong leadership skills and ability to coach teams
– Excellent communication and facilitation abilities
– Organization and project management skills
– Ability to multitask and adapt in a fast-paced environment
– Problem-solving, conflict resolution, and analytical thinking skills
– Knowledge of various development processes and methodologies
– Familiarity with development tools and technologies
So in summary, companies want to see some mix of agile experience, leadership capabilities, project management know-how, and technical knowledge in their Scrum Master candidates.
Tips for transitioning into a Scrum Master role
Here are some pro tips for making the transition into a Scrum Master position if you don’t have prior related experience:
– **Get certified.** Earning an entry-level Scrum certification like CSM demonstrates your commitment to learning the role. This can help offset not having direct Scrum Master experience.
– **Understand Scrum deeply.** Make sure you fully comprehend Scrum principles and practices. Study the Scrum Guide, read books by Scrum thought leaders, and listen to Scrum-focused podcasts.
– **Practice agile on your own teams.** Even if your current company isn’t “agile,” look for opportunities to institute Scrum-like practices or agile techniques with colleagues. This shows you can apply what you’ve learned.
– **Lead small projects.** Seek out chances to take ownership of projects end-to-end. This can illustrate your project management, leadership, and cross-functional coordination abilities.
– **Get involved in the agile community.** Attend local agile meetups, conferences, and workshops. Start building connections with others knowledgeable about Scrum and agile.
– **Consider unpaid work.** Volunteering for agile-related causes or taking on pro bono side work related to Scrum Master responsibilities can help acquire valuable experience.
– **Work as a Scrum Master assistant first.** Some new Scrum Masters start as assistants supporting an existing Scrum Master. Leverage this as a learning opportunity even if it’s an unofficial role.
– **Highlight transferable skills.** On your resume and in interviews, emphasize other experiences that developed relevant skills like leadership, coaching, project management, and problem-solving.
Should you start by becoming a Product Owner?
Some people believe starting as a Product Owner can be a stepping stone towards eventually becoming a Scrum Master. Let’s explore this route.
The Product Owner has a key role on a Scrum team. They are responsible for managing the product backlog and ensuring the team works on the most valuable items first.
Here are some of the key duties of a Product Owner:
– Maintaining the product backlog
– Prioritizing user stories or requirements
– Clarifying details about backlog items
– Accepting completed user stories
– Representing customer and stakeholder needs
There are certainly some transferable skills between being a Product Owner and Scrum Master. For example, both need to deeply understand Scrum, empathize with team members, communicate effectively, and focus on delivering value.
However, the two roles are fundamentally different. The Product Owner is more inward-facing, focused on the product and delivering value. The Scrum Master is more outward-facing, focused on helping the team perform optimally.
The Product Owner does not facilitate Scrum ceremonies or coach on the process like the Scrum Master does. But starting as a Product Owner can still be great for building familiarity with Scrum from the inside, which then sets the stage for a transition into a Scrum Master role down the road.
Should you consider becoming a project manager first?
Some aspiring Scrum Masters choose to get experience as project managers first before attempting to switch into the Scrum Master role. Let’s look at the key differences between the two positions:
**Project Manager**
– Plan and estimate projects
– Create project schedule and milestones
– Manage project scope and budget
– Document requirements
– Monitor team progress
– Manage risks and issues
– Report on status to stakeholders
– Keep projects on track
**Scrum Master**
– Coach team on Scrum process
– Facilitate Scrum ceremonies
– Remove roadblocks
– Encourage collaboration
– Ensure transparency
– Promote continuous improvement
– Shield team from interference
– Support self-organization
– Develop high-performing team
As you can see, project managers take on more delivery and execution duties. Scrum Masters focus on enabling team autonomy, facilitating events, and optimization.
However, there is overlap with soft skills like leadership, communication, and influencing without authority. The project manager role can provide a foundation in project delivery that prepares someone to then shift into an agile Scrum Master position.
Overall, either route can work – it comes down to your specific background and interests. Gaining experience in a complementary role first can equip you with useful hard and soft skills before specializing as a Scrum Master.
How can developers transition into Scrum Master roles?
For developers seeking to become Scrum Masters, the transition is often smoother because they have intimate familiarity with the software development process. Their insider knowledge of the challenges developers face can uniquely position them for success as Scrum Masters.
Here are some tips specifically for developers looking to make the pivot:
– Start by taking on Scrum Master-esque responsibilities for your own development team even if you don’t have the official title yet. For example, facilitate standups or retrospectives. This demonstrates capability.
– Make sure to develop people skills like emotional intelligence and conflict resolution which may not have been emphasized as much during your developer career. These interpersonal abilities are key for Scrum Masters.
– Obtain formal Scrum Master certification through the Scrum Alliance or Scrum.org. This validates your process expertise.
– Immerse yourself in the broader agile and Scrum community by attending meetups and conferences. Get to know practitioners outside your company.
– As you consider job options, look for Scrum Master roles at companies using technologies familiar to you. Your development experience may give you unique insights into the challenges faced by engineering teams.
– Highlight your own development experiences on your resume. Be ready to speak to how this gives you empathy and credibility with the engineering members of Scrum teams.
In summary, developers already have many transferable skills and bringing hands-on engineering insights to the Scrum Master role can be a major advantage.
Should you take online courses? Which ones help?
Online courses can be extremely helpful for preparing for a Scrum Master career – especially if you don’t have prior related experience. Here are some of the top online courses and certificate programs to consider:
**Coursera – Agile Development Specialization**
Offered by University of Virginia, this popular multi-course specialization covers core agile principles, Scrum, XP, and lean software development. It’s very comprehensive and provides a solid agile foundation.
**Scrum Alliance – Certified ScrumMaster (CSM)**
This is the most widely-recognized Scrum Master certification. The online self-paced course covers Scrum methodology, facilitating Scrum events, and practical applications. It prepares you for the CSM exam.
**Scrum.org – Professional Scrum Master (PSM I)**
This certification focuses specifically on Scrum knowledge. It has a renowned reputation for rigor and difficulty. Large amounts of study are usually required before attempting the PSM I assessments.
**LinkedIn Learning – Becoming a Scrum Master**
LinkedIn Learning has a extensive beginner-friendly course teaching Scrum fundamentals, the Scrum Master role, facilitating ceremonies, and more through video lessons.
**Udemy – Complete Scrum Master Course**
This interactive Udemy course provides new Scrum Masters with techniques, tips, and practices for succeeding in the role and passing CSM exams. It includes exercises and quizzes.
**EdX – Agile Software Development**
Created by the University of British Columbia, this free and self-paced EdX course is a great introduction to core agile concepts and methods like Scrum and lean software development.
The right online course can run you through everything from agile theory to practical techniques for excelling as a Scrum Master. They are an efficient way to build knowledge and skills on your own time before applying for Scrum Master positions.
What types of companies hire new or aspiring Scrum Masters?
When searching for your first Scrum Master job, it can help to focus on certain types of companies open to hiring and training less experienced candidates.
Here are some examples of companies often willing to hire new Scrum Masters:
– Startups – Their agile, entrepreneurial cultures gives flexibility for new Scrum Masters to learn on the job. Their typically flatter structures also allow for more hands-on practice.
– Small web/software agencies – Web and mobile agencies with a couple Scrum teams can provide a great training ground. There may be opportunities to work directly with experienced mentors.
– Tech consultancies – IT consulting firms use Scrum frameworks to build products for clients. They often hire junior Scrum Masters or assist them in getting CSM certified.
– Companies ramping up agile adoption – Organizations just transitioning to agile methodologies have immediate need for Scrum Masters at all experience levels to facilitate adoption.
– Large corporations – Some big non-tech Fortune 500 companies seek cheaper Scrum Masters to groom and will provide support. But opportunities for hands-on learning may be limited on massive teams.
– Remote tech companies – Distributed tech companies embrace remote Scrum Masters which expands options. Just beware challenges mastering Scrum remotelys as a newbie.
The key is targeting companies bullish on training and development that will nurture new Scrum Masters – not just expect them to figure it out alone. Taking contract roles can also allow you to quickly gain broader exposure by switching teams.
Conclusion
Transitioning into a Scrum Master position can definitely be challenging if you lack direct prior experience. But it’s certainly not impossible. By understanding what the role entails, obtaining the right certifications, garnering transferable experiences, and targeting the right companies, you can set yourself up for success breaking into your first Scrum Master role. Patience and persistence are key. Many successful Scrum Masters started from other specialties and worked their way into the profession over time by proving their capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a developer first before becoming a Scrum Master?
No, it’s not required to have a development background. In fact, many argue that effective Scrum Masters should not act like “mini project managers” and instead focus on facilitating self-organization. Skills in collaboration, influencing, and process coaching are most important – coding is optional.
How long does it take to get hired as a Scrum Master?
It can take anywhere from 2-6 months to land your first Scrum Master position if coming from a non-agile background. You’ll need time to get certified, develop your skills, network, and interview. Be patient – with perseverance it will happen.
What salary can I expect as a new Scrum Master?
According to Glassdoor, the average Scrum Master salary in the US is $76,289. However, new Scrum Masters can expect to start between $55,000 and $75,000 on average. Salaries vary based on location and company. With a few years experience you can typically earn over $90k.
Should I start by getting the CSM or PSM certification?
The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) is better for beginners. It’s easier to pass after taking a 2-day course. The Professional Scrum Master (PSM I) has a notoriously difficult exam that usually requires months of intensive study beforehand. Start with CSM.
Is being a Scrum Master a good career path long-term?
Yes, Scrum Master can definitely be a great long-term career for those who enjoy the mix of facilitation, coaching, and process optimization. With some years of experience, you could become a Senior Scrum Master, Agile Coach, or progress into Agile leadership roles.
References
| Scrum Guide | https://scrumguides.org/scrum-guide.html |
| Scrum Alliance Website | https://www.scrumalliance.org |
| Scrum.org Website | https://www.scrum.org |
| Glassdoor – Scrum Master Salaries | https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/scrum-master-salary-SRCH_KO0,13.htm |
| LinkedIn Learning – Becoming a Scrum Master | https://www.linkedin.com/learning/becoming-a-scrum-master |
