Digital transformation has changed the way things get done in the software industry. The software development process has adopted the “Agile” way of managing tasks along the software development lifecycle (SDLC). This Agile methodology has revolutionized how software is developed, delivered, updated, and aligned with business goals.
Agile refers to the set of best practices used in the software development process based on continuous iterative development and testing. The method follows the highest standards of collaboration and ongoing review for rapid delivery of high-quality software and updates and customer satisfaction.
Although you have several Agile methodologies with the same underlying principles, they differ in their implementation with unique practices and use cases.
As software companies and app providers race against time to deliver complex software for a competitive edge and a larger share of the software market, the “Scrum” type of Agile methodology has gained popularity. The Scrum technique is used where higher productivity and product adaptation to fast-changing requirements are the focus.
The various benefits of Scrum: speedy time-to-market, high flexibility, rapid implementation of changes, and incremental updates within short cycles, are compelling companies to adopt Scrum methodology for their software development lifecycle. So they are looking to hire Scrum Masters who can coach the Scrum team and facilitate software projects. If you are a Project/IT manager or team leader, you may like to consider the Scrum Master Certification online and master the software development projects.
What is the Scrum Methodology
Scrum is an Agile methodology for managing software and product development within a small team-based setting. Testing is done for every sprint and tackles any quality or deployment issues on the go. The product owner distributes the software program into short time-boxes called Sprints, where the duration of Sprints can be one to four weeks. Sprints are milestones for delivering working software with the framework adjusted on the Sprint Retrospective for better adaptation to changing customer needs. The rapid framework of testing yields high-quality software customized to the requirements of the Product Owner.
Who is a Scrum Master
As the title suggests, the Scrum Master is an expert in Scrum who implements the Scrum framework. The Scrum Master collaborates with the team members and acts as a guide to facilitate the team through the Scrum framework for a seamless and organized software rollout.
The Scrum Master ensures everyone on the team is up-to-date with the Scrum theory and practice and improves its practices within the organizational needs. They take a more holistic approach to product or software development by planning agile sprints and acting as Agile Coaches to maximize software development efficiency. A Scrum Master facilitates the Scrum process helping employees stay on track for high productivity and minimum process silos.
The Scrum Master has the following responsibilities:
- Guiding the team members in cross-functionality across the SDLC
- Ensuring focus on high-value Increments and Sprints
- Smooth and seamless functioning of the Scrum process
- Maintaining Scrum events within the time-box
- Setting up scrum meetings to direct or pass on information about the process
How to become one with no experience
If you are a wannabe Scrum Master or Practitioner, all you need is to be well-versed in all things of the Scrum framework: the rules, practices, and values. At the outset, technical skills are not an essential must-have to become a Scrum Master, even though an understanding of the technical side of software or product development can help communicate and collaborate with software engineers and developers.
Who can consider becoming a Scrum Master? Developers, Software Professionals, Business Analysts, Quality Assurance Testers, or Team Leads may consider learning the Scrum and Agile methodologies to become a Scrum Master.
The Scrum Master career path opens various careers, companies, and industries to the Agile Practitioner. Many professionals who begin with Scrum Master roles move on to become Scrum Coaches, Product Owners, or Project Managers. In other words, you have a wide career scope with lucrative opportunities.
Here is the pathway to becoming a Scrum Master:
Academic Background
While there is no specific formal academic requirement, you stand a better chance of acing Scrum roles with a bachelor’s degree. A background in any management discipline, psychology, business analytics, computer science, or industry expertise can help you build a career as a Scrum Master.
Most companies implementing Scrum prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in IT, Business Management, or Business Analytics. So you can start by gaining formal learning in any of the above.
Gain Knowledge of Project Management Roles
A hands-on work experience handling projects end-to-end is a great way to start. However, if you have no experience, then gain knowledge of product development, software development and engineering, product marketing, and ways to get products successfully to market.
Develop your skills
To offset the lack of experience, work on some of the critical skills required of a Scrum Master. Build the necessary practical skillsets to help you lead teams and facilitate software.
Essential skills for scrum masters include:
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Organization
- Leadership
- Analytical skills
- Adaptability
- Problem-solving
- Team management
- Software development knowledge
Learn Scrum Theory
Ramp up your knowledge of Scrum theory and principles. Learn Agile methodology and the Scrum framework. Get familiar with various Scrum terminologies and definitions and how the principles apply in software development.
Earn Certifications
Earning a certification in Scrum or Agile is an industry credential that validates your knowledge of the Scrum framework to hirers. A leading option is the Certified Scrum Master (CSM) issued by the Scrum Alliance. Other online platforms, such as Simplilearn, also offer certifications in Scrum training. Earning the Professional Scrum Master certification can help you prove to potential employers that you understand Scrum and know how to apply your knowledge to real-world situations.
The Scrum Master certification includes taking a short course followed by the Certified Scrum Master exam. The exam has 35 questions. You must answer 24 questions correctly to pass the exam and gain your certification.
That sounds easy. Doesn’t it?
Bottom line
Now that you have understood Agile and Scrum methodology, you may like to gain the highly valued Agile Scrum Master (ASM®) Certification Training and carve a career in one of the hottest and trendiest domains of Project Management.
