Career Advancement as a Scrum Master
So maybe you recently landed a Scrum Master role (congrats if that’s the case!) and are curious if there’s a typical career path to follow or maybe you’ve been in the role for a while and you’re thinking it’s time to take things to the next level… but where to go from here?
The next step after becoming a Scrum Master really depends on what your long-term career goals are and what you want to do next. I’ve had friends & colleagues who after being a Scrum Master for a couple years, found excitement in taking over a particular product and transitioned to a Product Owner role. At the same time, others who wanted to pursue a more technical route chose to become developers. I have some friends who wanted to stay the course and eventually became Agile Coaches, allowing them to coach and help other Scrum Masters within the organization. Finally, I have a buddy who left the corporate world behind and started his own online Agile coaching company. With multiple paths to choose from, take some time to think of what path would excite you the most as you continue to grow in your Scrum Master role.
Whatever path you choose, here are a few tips to help you succeed in the next role you are striving towards:
Continuing education: As a Scrum Master, it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest best practices and techniques in the field. Consider investing in ongoing professional development, such as online courses or certification programs. This will not only help in your current role, but may even shed light on whether this project management is that path you want to stay on.
Networking: Building relationships with other professionals in the Scrum Master community and even broader Agile community can be a valuable asset. Attend local meetups or conferences, or join online forums or LinkedIn groups to connect with others in the field.
Seeking out new opportunities: Don't be afraid to take on new challenges and try out new roles. Look for opportunities to grow and learn, such as taking on additional responsibilities or working with different teams. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you can gain valuable experience and build your skillset.
By investing in your own education, building connections, and taking on new opportunities, you can position yourself as a valuable and sought-after candidate in the job market for whatever role you choose to pursue. Keep these tips in mind as you work to advance your career and achieve your goals.