Lessons learned from obtaining the PSM - I Certificate

Introduction

In April of this year, I had the incredible fortune of passing the PSM-I (Professional Scrum Master - I) certification exam on my very first attempt. This accomplishment was a pivotal moment in my professional growth, opening doors to exciting opportunities and expanding my horizons in numerous ways. Now, I am thrilled to share the insights, tips, and valuable information I acquired throughout my journey. In this blog post, I aim to delve into the reasons why this achievement was so important to me and how it contributed to my personal and professional growth. Furthermore, my ultimate hope is to inspire and encourage readers like yourself to step out of their comfort zones, embrace new learning experiences, and seize the abundant opportunities that await them. Let's embark on this transformative exploration together, and discover the power of self-belief and stepping out of your comfort zone.

Background Information

Before I embarked on my journey towards becoming a Certified Scrum Master, my professional path took me through diverse roles and experiences. With almost a decade of experience as an English teacher, I have had the privilege of imparting knowledge and guiding students in a number of different countries. However, my career has been far from linear. Prior to teaching, I ventured into various occupations that spanned different industries. From working as a plumber to playing bass in a band, from assisting customers at Wal-Mart to being a kitchen porter in a hotel, my eclectic range of jobs exposed me to diverse work environments and honed my adaptability.

Reflecting on my past experiences, it is fascinating to note that if you had asked me about Scrum five years ago, I would have likely associated it with rugby rather than project management. The concept of Scrum as an Agile framework was not part of my vocabulary at that time. It is a testament to the transformative power of learning and the opportunities that lie beyond our comfort zones.

This realization sparked my curiosity, leading me to explore the world of Agile and Scrum. Intrigued by the potential applications of these methodologies in various industries, I decided to embark on a journey of discovery, leveraging my existing skills and passion for learning.

Now, having successfully obtained the PSM-I Scrum Master Certification, I am excited to share my insights, tips, and experiences with others who may be on a similar path. Through this blog post, I hope to inspire individuals to embrace new knowledge, step outside their comfort zones, and recognize the untapped potential within their skill sets. The transformation I underwent—from being oblivious to Scrum to becoming a certified professional—serves as a testament to the possibilities that await those who are open to continuous growth and development.

Tech Industry

In my current role as an English Language Instructor for a large tech company, I found myself immersed in an environment where job titles and roles were unfamiliar territory. It took me some time to fully grasp the intricacies of what people in the tech industry actually did. When someone would proudly proclaim to be a QA Engineer or a Site Reliability Engineer, I would nod and smile, while internally admitting my complete lack of understanding about their responsibilities.

As part of my teaching activities, I often assigned thought experiments to my students. One particular experiment involved asking them to explain their jobs to me as if I were a child. Little did I know that this exercise would become an enlightening experience for me as well. Through discussions with my students, I began to unravel the complexities of various tech industry roles. Although I still wouldn't consider myself an expert, I certainly gained a far better understanding than when I initially started.

Among the myriad roles, one that piqued my curiosity the most was that of a Project Manager for software teams. I became increasingly fascinated as students, who were themselves Project Managers, encouraged me to explore this field as a potential career path. The prospect of overseeing projects, coordinating teams, and facilitating successful software development cycles intrigued me.

Driven by this newfound interest, I sought out a mentor who could guide me on this path of exploration and growth. Finding someone experienced in the role of a Project Manager became crucial to understanding the nuances, challenges, and best practices associated with the position. A mentor would help me bridge the gap between my existing skill set as an English Language Instructor and the requirements of a Project Manager in the tech industry.

The decision to seek out a mentor not only demonstrated my eagerness to learn and grow but also reflected the importance of guidance and support when venturing into unfamiliar territory. With their expertise and insights, I hoped to gain a deeper understanding of the role, its responsibilities, and the skills necessary to excel as a Project Manager in the tech industry.

PSM - I

After completing a Project Management learning path and gaining some experience in internal projects at my previous company, my mentors encouraged me to validate my newfound knowledge by obtaining a recognized certification: the PSM-I (Professional Scrum Master - I). This was uncharted territory for me, as it may be for some of you reading this blog post. However, having successfully passed the exam on my first attempt, I am eager to share some advice that may be helpful to you.

1. Immerse yourself in the Scrum Guide: Begin by downloading the Scrum Guide and printing it out. Read it thoroughly, become familiar with its content, and then read it again. If traditional reading doesn't resonate with you, consider listening to an audio version of the guide. By absorbing the information frequently, even during daily activities like washing dishes or exercising, you'll gradually internalize the principles and concepts. Don't worry if it doesn't make complete sense at first; understanding will come with repeated exposure.
2. Practice exams: Take advantage of the practice exams provided by Scrum.org. Start by attempting the practice exams as often as you can. It's perfectly normal to struggle and even fail initially. Pay close attention to the questions you answer incorrectly and then refer back to the Scrum Guide to find the correct answers. Over time, the questions will become more familiar, and you'll answer based on memory. Once you consistently score 100% in the scrum.org assessments about five times in a row and maintain a consistent 95% in other practice exams, you'll know you're ready.
3. Explore webinars, courses, and books (optional): While there is an abundance of information available about the PSM-I exam, not all sources are equally reliable. In my own journey, I successfully passed the exam by diligently reading the Scrum Guide and practising with exams. I was fortunate to have mentors who were experienced Project Managers. However, it's important to note that you may find value in additional resources such as books, webinars, or courses. If you feel that buying a book or enrolling in a course aligns with your learning style and preferences, go ahead and explore those options. Ultimately, passing the exam is achievable without these additional resources, but the choice is yours.

Concluding Reflections

Obtaining the PSM-I certification has been a transformative experience for me, both personally and professionally. It has opened doors to new opportunities, expanded my knowledge and skill set, and instilled in me a sense of confidence and self-belief. As I reflect on my journey, there are a few key takeaways that I believe are worth sharing:

1. Embrace continuous learning: My journey towards becoming a Certified Scrum Master started with a genuine curiosity and a desire to learn something new. I stepped out of my comfort zone, explored unfamiliar concepts, and immersed myself in the world of Agile and Scrum. This experience has taught me the importance of continuous learning and the value it brings to personal and professional growth. By embracing a mindset of lifelong learning, we can adapt to new challenges and seize opportunities that come our way.
2. Seek guidance and mentorship: Having a mentor who can guide you through unfamiliar territory is invaluable. In my case, seeking out a mentor who was an experienced Project Manager in the tech industry helped me bridge the gap between my existing skills and the requirements of the role. Their insights, advice, and support were instrumental in my success. Don't be afraid to reach out to someone who can offer guidance and share their expertise. Mentors can provide valuable perspectives, help you navigate challenges, and accelerate your learning journey.
3. Persistence and practice are key: The path to becoming a Certified Scrum Master is not always easy. It requires persistence, dedication, and practice. Don't be discouraged by initial failures or setbacks. Instead, view them as learning opportunities and keep pushing forward. The more you practice, the more familiar you become with the concepts and principles of Scrum. Use the available practice exams, refer back to the Scrum Guide, and aim for consistent improvement. With perseverance and practice, you can achieve your goal.
4. Customize your learning approach: Every individual has a unique learning style and preferences. While there are various resources available, it's important to find an approach that works best for you. For me, reading the Scrum Guide and practicing with exams proved to be effective. However, you may find value in additional resources such as books, webinars, or courses. Tailor your learning experience to align with your needs and preferences. The goal is to gain a deep understanding of Scrum principles and practices, regardless of the specific resources you choose.

In conclusion, obtaining the PSM-I certification has been a milestone in my professional growth. It has allowed me to expand my horizons, be more intentional in the projects I am part of, and gain a deeper understanding of Agile and Scrum methodologies. Through this blog post, I hope to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones, embrace continuous learning, seek guidance when needed, and persistently pursue their goals. Remember, your journey may be different from mine, but with the right mindset and determination, you can achieve great things. Believe in yourself, be open to new possibilities, and let your curiosity guide you towards success.

Happy learning and best of luck on your own journey towards becoming a Certified Scrum Master!