Becoming a Scrum Master can be a rewarding career move, especially if you’re passionate about helping teams succeed and thrive in an agile environment. But what if you are a would-be, scrum master with no experience? Don’t worry! Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you embark on this journey and become a Scrum Master even if you’re starting from scratch.

Step 1: Understand Agile and Scrum

Before diving into the Scrum Master role, it’s crucial to understand the basics of Agile and Scrum. Here’s how you can get started:

1. Read Foundational Books:
   • “Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time“ by Jeff Sutherland
   • “Agile Estimating and Planning“ by Mike Cohn
2. Online Courses and Tutorials:
   • Enroll in introductory courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. Look for courses specifically focused on Agile and Scrum methodologies. This blog has got lots of free content to get you started as well.
3. Agile and Scrum Guides:
   • Download and read the official Scrum Guide by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland. This guide is the definitive resource on Scrum practices and principles.

Step 2: Get Certified

Certification can be a powerful way to demonstrate your commitment and knowledge to potential employers. It is tricky though. Lots of scrum masters are not certified and they will tell you that it is not needed. As a newby, trying to break into a scrum master job, I would strongly advise you to get certified. Here are some entry-level certifications to consider:

1. Certified ScrumMaster (CSM):
   • Offered by Scrum Alliance, this certification is widely recognized and respected. It involves a two-day course followed by an exam.
2. Professional Scrum Master (PSM I):
   • Offered by Scrum.org, this certification is also highly regarded and involves passing an assessment without a mandatory course. Look at the free resources available on scrum.university to help you prepare for that exam.
3. Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP):
   • Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification covers various agile methodologies, including Scrum.

Step 3: Gain Practical Experience

While you might not have direct experience as a Scrum Master, you can still gain practical insights and skills. You will need to think outside the box to find opportunities for gaining experience. Leverage your network to the max.

1. Volunteer for Projects:
   • Look for opportunities within your current organization or community to volunteer on agile projects. Offer to help facilitate Scrum ceremonies or support the team in any capacity.
2. Join Scrum and Agile Communities:
   • Participate in local Scrum or Agile Meetups. Engaging with these communities can provide valuable networking opportunities and practical advice from experienced practitioners.
3. Simulate Scrum Practices:
   • Organize a mock project with friends or colleagues. This can be a fun and educational way to practice Scrum roles, ceremonies, and principles.

Step 4: Develop Key Skills

A Scrum Master needs a specific set of skills beyond just knowledge of Scrum. Focus on developing these key areas:

1. Facilitation:
   • Practice leading meetings and facilitating discussions. Effective communication and active listening are crucial.
2. Conflict Resolution:
   • Learn techniques for resolving conflicts and fostering a collaborative team environment.
3. Servant Leadership:
   • Understand the principles of servant leadership and practice putting the team’s needs first.
4. Continuous Improvement:
   • Embrace a mindset of continuous improvement, both for yourself and the team. Always look for ways to enhance processes and outcomes.

Map out your existing skillset. Maybe you already have a significant overlap with these skills and just need to reframe your skills into the agile language frame. For example; if your current job is a teacher, you have a lot of these skills waxed already.

Step 5: Build Your Resume and Online Presence

Make sure your resume and online profiles reflect your commitment and skills:

1. Highlight Relevant Experience:
   • Include any volunteer work, certifications, and participation in agile communities.
2. Create a LinkedIn Profile:
   • Use LinkedIn to connect with other Scrum Masters, join groups, and follow industry leaders. Share insights and engage with content to demonstrate your knowledge. See more in the next step.
3. Write About Your Journey:
   • Start a blog or contribute to agile forums. Writing about your learning experiences and thoughts on agile practices can showcase your passion and expertise.

Step 6: Get Active on On-line Agile Communities

For an aspiring Scrum Master, engaging with online Agile communities can be invaluable for networking, learning, and staying updated with the latest industry trends. Here are some excellent online Agile communities that would be a great fit:

1. Scrum.org Community Forums

Scrum.org provides forums where Scrum Masters and other Agile practitioners can discuss various topics related to Scrum and Agile practices. It’s a great place to ask questions, share experiences, and learn from others.

2. Agile Alliance

The Agile Alliance is a global nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Agile development principles and practices. They offer a range of resources, including a community forum where members can discuss Agile methodologies.

3. LinkedIn Groups

LinkedIn hosts several Agile and Scrum-related groups where professionals discuss trends, challenges, and best practices. Some popular groups include:

• Scrum Practitioners
• Agile and Lean Software Development
• Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) and Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO)

4. Reddit – r/scrum and r/agile

Reddit has active communities in both r/scrum and r/agile where users post questions, share insights, and discuss topics related to Scrum and Agile methodologies.

5. Agile Coaching Circles

Agile Coaching Circles provide a platform for Agile coaches and Scrum Masters to connect, share experiences, and learn from each other through regular meetings and online discussions.

6. Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast Community

This community is built around the popular Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast. It includes discussions on podcast episodes, Agile practices, and real-world challenges faced by Scrum Masters.

7. Meetup

Meetup is a platform where you can find and join Agile and Scrum meetups in your area or virtually. These meetups often feature guest speakers, workshops, and networking opportunities.

8. The Agile Uprising Coalition

This community focuses on advancing the state of Agile through collaboration and sharing of knowledge. They offer a forum, podcasts, and events for Agile enthusiasts.

9. Slack Communities

There are several Slack communities dedicated to Agile and Scrum practitioners. Some notable ones include:

• Agile for Humans
• Agile Coaching Network
• Scrum Masters of the Universe

10. Stack Exchange – Project Management

The Project Management Stack Exchange is a Q&A site where you can ask questions and share knowledge about project management, including Agile methodologies and Scrum practices.

Engaging with these online communities can provide you with valuable insights, support, and professional connections as you pursue your journey to becoming a Scrum Master. Participate actively, ask questions, share your experiences, and learn from the collective wisdom of these communities.

Step 7: Apply for Entry-Level Positions

Finally, start applying for Scrum Master roles or related positions that will give you a foot in the door. Look for titles such as:

• Junior Scrum Master
• Scrum Master Trainee
• Agile Coach Assistant

When interviewing, emphasize your certifications, practical experience, and commitment to continuous learning. Demonstrate your understanding of Scrum principles and how you can support and improve the team’s agile processes.

Conclusion

Becoming a Scrum Master with no experience may seem daunting, but with the right approach and dedication, it’s entirely achievable. By understanding the fundamentals, getting certified, gaining practical experience, developing essential skills, building your resume, and actively applying for roles, you can set yourself on the path to becoming a successful Scrum Master. Remember, every expert was once a beginner. Start your journey today, and you’ll be facilitating high-performing agile teams in no time!