How to Get Started
as a Scrum Master

If effective project management, agile development methodologies, and positive workplace facilitation intrigue you, then you might want to become a Scrum master. The prevalence of the Scrum framework applies to all industries including project managers or product owners in the tech or business management industry.

You can learn this effective Agile methodology and Scrum process to increase task productivity and amplify your project management skills. Read on to learn how to become a Scrum master in 2021. You’ll learn about education pathways, job descriptions and requirements, Scrum certification courses, and essential skills needed to become a Scrum Master.

A Scrum master, also referred to as a servant leader, is a project leader who supports and supervises development teams using Scrum and Agile frameworks to ensure efficient outcomes in a complex project. Agile values contain several productive project management methodologies including Scrum and Crystal.

A dedicated Scrum master delivers Agile and Scrum values through continuous learning, leadership skills, technical background, and expert knowledge of the product. Job opportunities for Scrum masters aren’t just limited to software development projects. These professionals can find work in the financial, marketing, government, construction, and consulting industries.

Scrum masters relate to data science by applying Agile project management methodology to products including data analytics development and machine learning approaches to research.
The application of Scrum events in data science includes sprints, daily meetings, and sprint retrospectives.

Scrum masters play a non-tech role. They support and lead the data science Scrum team which includes data scientists, data analysts, and data engineers. They are in charge of applying Scrum practices such as accountability, deadline urgency, empirical evidence, and burndown charts to a data science project.

The time it takes to become a Scrum master varies depending on your current qualifications and learning path. One of the most popular ways to become a Scrum master is by obtaining a Scrum master certification. There are several ways to prepare for the certification exams, including over 100 e-learning CSM courses that are taught by certified Scrum trainers.

In addition to the certification training courses, most Scrum master positions require three to four years of industry-relevant project management experience. To become a professional Scrum master, you will need more than the CSM certification.

Although there is no industry standard requirement for Scrum masters, getting a bachelor’s degree can enhance your candidacy. You can get a bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, software development, or other relevant fields. The degree will take you around four to five years to complete.

The appropriate education track to become a Scrum master entirely depends on your career goals and current career trajectory. For instance, if you are a programmer looking to move into the project management world within your sector, then CSM certification programs can provide a strong understanding of Scrum principles and Agile management.

Similarly, if you are a professional data scientist with over a year of experience looking to advance into project management, then you can earn the Advanced Certified Scrum Master certification. The educational routes to becoming a Scrum master will vary from person to person. Below you’ll find some of the ways to study to become a Scrum master.

The job requirements for an entry-level Scrum master is three or more years of professional relevant experience and a Scrum certification. Although you do not need a four-year degree to become a Scrum master, it does significantly boost your appeal.

You can get a bachelor’s degree in computer science or software engineering. In addition to the educational qualifications, you should learn other frameworks including Crystal, Kanban, and XP to enhance your candidacy. Moreover, you can work as an Agile practitioner, software developer, or technical analyst to get the required experience.

Although Scrum masters work across several non-technical industries, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lumps the position with computer and information systems managers. According to BLS, the number of Scrum master-related jobs is projected to grow by 11 percent between 2020 to 2030. According to PayScale, the average annual salary for Scrum masters is $89,942.

Scrum masters have a deep understanding of Scrum to ensure the Scrum framework is closely followed by the Scrum team. This entails coaching, implementing, and overseeing Scrum and Agile processes, and facilitating the daily meeting and daily standup. Below are some of the Scrum master-related job duties in detail.

One of the primary duties of Scrum masters is to ensure products meet deadlines efficiently by implementing Scrum principles. Scrum masters act as a coach and provide the needed support to product teams for optimal productivity.

Scrum masters also monitor productivity by evaluating projects, progress, and performance through conducting daily Scrums. The topics covered during the meetings include inspection of the cause behind the product backlog, sprint review, and finding efficient Agile planning strategies to meet the sprint goal.

Scrum masters help resolve any internal team issues that have caused project delays. This requires Scrum masters to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

In order to succeed and stay relevant as a Scrum master, you need to develop the necessary technical and soft skills. Listed below are some of the most important Scrum master skills and certifications required for this profession.

There are a multitude of reasons to become a Scrum master in 2021. This includes an attractive compensation and job outlook. If you are looking for a career that allows you to become a hands-on practitioner, providing support for project facilitation and efficiency, then becoming a Scrum master is a good career choice for you.