Career Highlight: Scrum Master

What is a Scrum Master?

A Scrum Master is a facilitator for a development team that uses Scrum, a framework for Agile software development. The Scrum Master helps the team to self-organize, self-manage, and make decisions. The Scrum Master is not a traditional team leader or manager, but rather a servant-leader who helps the team to optimize their process and remove obstacles that may be blocking their progress.

What are the responsibilities of a Scrum Master?:

• Facilitating Scrum ceremonies, such as the daily stand-up, sprint planning, sprint review, and sprint retrospective
• Helping the team to understand and adhere to the values and principles of Scrum
• Assisting the team in defining and refining the team's definition of done
• Protecting the team from external distractions and interferences
• Coaching the team in Agile practices and principles
• Helping the team to continuously improve by identifying and removing impediments to progress
• Overall, the goal of a Scrum Master is to help the team deliver high-quality software products in a fast and flexible manner, using the Scrum framework as a guide.

Online learning resources:

There are many online courses available that can help you learn how to become a Scrum Master. Here are three options that you may consider:

Scrum Master Certified (SMC?) - This course is offered by the Scrum Alliance, a global professional association for Scrum practitioners. It provides a comprehensive overview of Scrum, including the principles, practices, and tools that are essential for effective Scrum implementation.

Professional Scrum Master (PSM) - This course is offered by Scrum.org, a professional certification and training organization. It covers the fundamental principles and practices of Scrum, as well as advanced concepts and techniques for leading and coaching Scrum teams.

Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) - This course is offered by the Scrum Alliance, and it covers the fundamentals of Scrum, including the roles, events, and artifacts that are essential for effective Scrum implementation. It also includes training on how to facilitate Scrum meetings and coach teams to be more effective.

It is important to note that these courses are just a few of the many options available, and the best course for you will depend on your learning style, schedule, and budget.

Recommended Books:

• "The Scrum Guide" by Jeff Sutherland and Ken Schwaber: This is the official guide to the Scrum framework, written by the co-creators of Scrum. It provides a clear and concise overview of the roles, events, and artifacts of Scrum.
• "Agile Software Development with Scrum" by Ken Schwaber and Mike Beedle: This book provides a comprehensive overview of Scrum and how it can be used to develop software. It covers the principles, practices, and values of Scrum, as well as how to implement and sustain it in an organization.
• "Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time" by Jeff Sutherland: This book provides a practical guide to using Scrum to increase productivity and deliver high-quality products. It covers the key principles and practices of Scrum, and provides case studies and examples to illustrate how it can be applied in different contexts.
• "The Scrum Master's Handbook: A Practical Guide to Leading Successful Agile Projects" by Mandy Schwerdtfeger: This book provides a step-by-step guide to the role of the Scrum Master, including how to facilitate Scrum ceremonies, coach the team, and remove obstacles to progress.
• "Scrum: A Pocket Guide (Best Practice (Van Haren Publishing))" by Gunther Verheyen: This is a concise guide to Scrum, covering the key principles, practices, and values of the framework. It is a useful resource for Scrum Masters, team members, and anyone interested in learning about Scrum.

How long does it take to become a Scrum Master?

The length of time it takes to become a Scrum Master will depend on your prior knowledge and experience, as well as the level of training and certification that you pursue.

If you are new to Scrum and are starting from scratch, it can take several weeks or months to learn the basics and become proficient in the role of a Scrum Master. This will depend on the depth and intensity of the training that you choose, as well as your ability to apply the concepts and practices in a real-world setting.

If you have prior experience with Agile and Scrum, or if you already have a background in project management or team leadership, it may take less time for you to become a Scrum Master. In these cases, you may be able to learn the basics of Scrum more quickly, and you may be able to apply your existing skills and knowledge to the role more effectively.

It is important to note that becoming a Scrum Master is not just about completing a training course or passing a certification exam. It is also about gaining practical experience and developing the skills and mindset that are necessary to effectively lead and coach Scrum teams. This can take time and may require ongoing learning and development to stay current with best practices and new developments in the field.

What's the average salary of a Scrum Master in the United States?

The average salary for a Scrum Master in the United States is around $95,000 per year, according to data from Glassdoor and PayScale. This can vary based on factors such as your level of experience, education, and the specific industry or organization you are working in.

For example, a Scrum Master with several years of experience or advanced education may earn a higher salary than a Scrum Master who is just starting out in the field. Similarly, a Scrum Master working in a high-demand industry or in a city with a high cost of living may earn a higher salary than a Scrum Master working in a less competitive market.

It is important to note that salary is just one factor to consider when evaluating job opportunities as a Scrum Master. Other factors such as benefits, work-life balance, and opportunities for advancement may also be important considerations.

Author: Dwayne Lattimore, CISSP